According to reports that began surfacing last night, Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni has notified the organization that he will not be returning next season thus becoming a coaching free agent.
“It’s with tremendous sadness and gratitude that my wife Laurel and I announce that our incredible journey in Houston has ended for now and that we’ll be moving to a new chapter,” D’Antoni told ESPN in a statement.
D’Antoni was 217-102 in his four seasons as Rockets coach, advancing once to the Western Conference finals and three times to the conference semifinals.
“Mike is a true professional and an amazing basketball mind,” Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said. “He is a winner, and we have been blessed to have had such an outstanding coach and leader to work with the past four seasons.”
D’Antoni is rumored to be a leading candidate for the Philadelphia 76ers vacant coaching position.
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