Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni interested in Marshall job, if fired
If Mike D’Antoni’s tenure with the Lakers comes to an end soon, his next stop may be at the college level.
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
With the Lakers hovering near the bottom of the Western Conference, speculation about Mike D'Antoni's future with the team continues to run rampant. Many expect him to be fired, and if that happens, he could head to the college level and take over Marshall. Thundering Herd officials have reached out to D'Antoni and the interest is mutual, according to Jeff Borzello of CBS Sports.
Making a move from head coach of the Lakers to head coach of Marshall may seem like an odd career choice, but D’Antoni played for Marshall and has remained close to the program. The move would only happen if D’Antoni was fired and, even then, it may be a longshot.
According to a report from ESPN, sources said D’Antoni is “highly unlikely” to drop to the college level, even with his ties to the Marshall program. There are conflicting reports, however, as a source told Borzello that D’Antoni has interest in Marshall and donors are in place to offer a significant deal.
The Hook
“I would think his days are numbered based on Kobe saying he had no interest in playing for him next year,” a source told CBSSports.com. “If he isn’t with the Lakers, I believe he will be at Marshall because there is mutual interest.”
D’Antoni is in the midst of his second season with the Lakers. Los Angeles finished last season with a 45-37 record, but was swept out of the first round of the playoffs. Things have gotten even worse this season. Crippled by injuries after losing Dwight Howard to free agency, the Lakers have sunk to 24-46 and have their eyes on the top of the draft rather than the playoff standings.
D'Antoni has two years remaining on his four-year deal, but only one of the remaining years is guaranteed, according to ESPN. According to a recent report, Kobe Bryant has "no interest" in playing for D'Antoni next season, helping fuel speculation that the coach's days with the Lakers are numbered.
Although he’s made multiple stops in the NBA and coached professionally in Italy, D’Antoni has never coached at the college level, either as an assistant or a head coach.
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