The LA Clippers set a franchise record for winning percentage in each of the last two seasons, but that wasn't enough for upper management to keep coach Vinny Del Negro around after getting brushed aside by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
The Clippers made several other strong moves to put the other team in LA in prime contention to challenge for Western Conference dominance, adding Chauncey Billups, Jamal Crawford and Lamar Odom to their already talented roster. When Del Negro couldn't get out of the first round this year, speculation grew that he would not return to LA. That speculation has now been confirmed, as the Clippers look to gain favor with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin by consulting them on their coaching search, clearly one of the most attractive jobs in the NBA.
Clippers parting ways with coach Vinny Del Negro. lati.ms/lfZNw
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) May 21, 2013
The Clippers have set a franchise record for win percentage in EACH of the past 2 seasons.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 21, 2013
The Clippers fired Vinny Del Negro? Your move, Lakers.
— Artem (@nbarocksstc) May 21, 2013
Clippers become by far the most attractive coaching opening in NBA.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) May 21, 2013
Obvious top candidates for Clippers job: Alvin Gentry, Byron Scott, Mike Malone,Brian Shaw, Lionel Hollins
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 21, 2013
Sources: Chris Paul Wanted Clippers To Make Coaching Change — bit.ly/1920IkM
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 21, 2013
#Clippers fire coach Vinny Del Negro after 56-26 season, best record in franchise history but didn't make 2nd Rd. OH.
— Mandii B (@FullCourtPUMPS) May 21, 2013
I'm officially announcing my candidacy to coach the Clippers. I'm qualified.
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) May 21, 2013
