TUESDAY, 7:12pm: According to ESPN's Marc Stein, a press release was issued earlier today from the office of John Langel, Collins' agent, that a deal was done to make Collins a "special consultant" with the Sixers. Shortly after, however, another release was issued stating that the original was wrong (Twitter links). This is curious to say the least, though it likely indicates that the two sides are discussing of some type of a buyout.
SUNDAY, 10:49pm: An amicable agreement is being pursued by both sides with possibilities ranging from a buyout to Collins staying on in a front office role, tweets Ken Berger of CBSSports.com.
SUNDAY, 9:17pm: Sixers coach Doug Collins has informed ownership that he will resign at season's end, league sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. The 62-year-old has one year left on a four-year deal, but has told management he won't return in that role. Collins' possible return to the franchise in another capacity, possibly something in the front office, hasn't been ruled out, according to a source.
Despite talk about his job security, ownership wanted him to return for the final season of a his deal that would've paid him $4.5MM, but Collins informed owner Josh Harris of his decision in recent days.
There could soon be space for Collins in the front office as president Rod Thorn is likely to move into a consultant's role at season's end and GM Tony DiLeo could be let go or have an ultimate decision-maker hired to preside over him.
The Sixers are 33-47, good for ninth place in the Eastern Conference. It has been a trying year for Collins and the 76ers who were supposed to have Andrew Bynum in the middle and a real shot at challenging the elite teams in the East this season. However, knee injuries sidelined the All-Star for the entire season, leaving the club with nothing to show for parting with Andre Iguodala, Nik Vucevic, and Moe Harkless.