If the Charlotte Bobcats are going to break the record for consecutive losses — 26 by the Cleveland Cavaliers set last season — they won’t be doing it under the guidance of Paul Silas.
Charlotte president of basketball operations Rod Higgins announced today that Silas will not return as head coach, and a search for his successor will begin immediately.
“I would like to personally thank Paul for everything he has done for this team under some pretty unique circumstances,” Higgins said. “His basketball experience as a coach and a player speak for themselves. We have been fortunate to have someone of his character associated with this franchise and we hope he will continue to be a valuable resource to us in the future.”
Silas, 68, recently completed his first full season with the Bobcats after being named interim Head Coach on December 22, 2010, and then having the interim title removed on February 16, 2011. He led the team to a 25-29 record (.463) over the remainder of the 2010-11 season, then went 7-59 this season to break the record for lowest winning percentage in a single season (.106).
The Bobcats lost their final 23 games.
In 11 seasons as an NBA head coach, Silas has a career record of 377-531 with the Clippers (1980-83), Hornets (1999-2003), Cavaliers (2003-05) and Bobcats.
Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reported that potential replacement candidates could include former Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan and former New York Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni.
Another possibility could be Orlando Magic assistant coach Patrick Ewing, who has close ties to Bobcats owner Michael Jordan. Ewing, among the best centers in NBA history, played on the original Dream Team with Jordan. As players, they both were represented by agent David Falk.