Mike D’Antoni Informs Houston Rockets He Won’t Return As Coach, Linked To 76ers Opening

One day after his club was eliminated by the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals, Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni has informed the club he won’t return as coach.

The news was first reported by ESPN and D’Antoni then issued a statement on social media.

D’Antoni’s contract expired after this season and he is already being linked to the Philadelphia 76ers’ coaching opening, per ESPN.

In 2015, D’Antoni was hired as associate head coach under Brett Brown, who was let go last month after the Sixers were swept by the Boston Celtics.

D’Antoni, 69, previously coached the Nuggets, Suns, Knicks and Lakers. His career record is 718-555 ( .564).

Playing an up-tempo offense that featured James Harden, the Rockets won 50+ games three times under D’Antoni and finished 65-17 in 2017-18.

NBA teams with coaching openings now include the Rockets, Sixers, Bulls, Pacers, Thunder and Pelicans.