DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Kevin McHale of the Houston Rockets leads his team against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on November 13, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Rockets 107-98
Former Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale has reportedly withdrawn from consideration for the Sacramento Kings’ coaching vacancy.
NBA sources told ESPN.com that McHale, who had recently engaged in talks with the Kings, has notified the team he no longer wishes to pursue the job.
The Kings have interviews scheduled for this week with David Blatt, Jeff Hornacek, current Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Patrick Ewing, Mark Jackson and current Sacramento assistant Corliss Williamson. They have already interviewed former Minnesota Timberwolves interim coach Sam Mitchell, former Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro and Clippers assistant Mike Woodson.
Sacramento fired head coach George Karl after the team completed its 2015–16 season with a 33–49 record and missed the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season.
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Following Thursday’s announcement that Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel would not be retained, team president Larry Bird said that McHale would not be a candidate for the opening.
“I would not do that to Kevin, to have him work for me. That’s not fair. I respect him too much,” Bird said.
McHale and Bird played 11 seasons together for the Boston Celtics (1980-1992), winning three championships over that time span (1981, 1984, 1986). McHale coached the Rockets from 2011-2015. During that time, he went 193-130, with a 13-16 record in the playoffs. He was fired after a 4-7 start to this season.
PHOTO: DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Kevin McHale of the Houston Rockets leads his team against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on November 13, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Rockets 107-98
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