Larry Drew wants to become a candidate for the Sixers head coaching job if the Hawks let him go, a source tells John Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Drew is in the final season of his contract with Atlanta, and he hasn't had any discussions with GM Danny Ferry about an extension, Mitchell hears.
Ferry said in November that he was "fully engaged with Larry and our partnership," but rumors persisted that the GM would replace Drew with close associate Mike Brown at season's end. Brown's hiring in Cleveland hasn't ended speculation that Ferry may change coaches, as Grantland's Zach Lowe this week linked the Hawks to Quin Snyder.
The Sixers appear to be taking it slow with their search for Doug Collins' replacement, and that could allow Drew, who's still coaching the Hawks in the playoffs, to enter the picture. For now, assistant coaches Michael Malone of the Warriors and Brian Shaw of the Pacers appear to be the top candidates for the job. Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe believes Aaron McKie, who served as an assistant on Collins' staff, may receive consideration as well. Mitchell hinted earlier this week that the team could replace GM Tony DiLeo as well.