The Detroit Pistons are reportedly eying former Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins to replace Maurice Cheeks as head coach. Assistant John Loyer will coach the team in the interim, Sports Illustrated reports.
Hollins, whose contract with Memphis wasn't renewed over the summer, may not be unemployed for long.
"Coaching sources say Lionel Hollins is a prime target for DET and timing of Cheeks ouster due in part to fact Hollins (is) currently unattached," ESPN's Marc Stein tweeted on Sunday. "Doesn't mean Hollins is lock to take job, if offered, but Cheeks was first NBA coach fired this season, so DET searching unopposed right now."
Hollins led the Grizzlies to the Western Conference finals during the 2012-13 season, where they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs. The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets were reportedly interested in signing Hollins after his release, but both teams ultimately passed.
Detroit (21-29) fired Cheeks on Sunday despite back-to-back wins. The decision to relieve Cheeks of his coaching duties reportedly came from owner Tom Gores.
"League sources say Pistons coaching change (was) entirely ownership driven," Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated tweeted on Sunday. "Tom Gores wasn't happy with Cheeks. His call."
Loyer will serve as the interim head coach. Although Detroit is reportedly targeting Hollins, there's a chance Loyer will remain the head coach for the remainder of the season.
Per ESPN:
"Yet sources added Sunday that Pistons owner Tom Gores could elect to wait until the offseason before bringing in a full-time replacement for Cheeks, with the Pistons facing a number of difficult decisions in coming months and still very much in the race for a playoff berth this season thanks to the forgiving Eastern Conference."
Yahoo Sports' sources also said Detroit won't hire a new head coach until after the season.
The Pistons came into the season with high expectations after signing Josh Smith to a four-year, $54 million deal. The signing hasn't yet turned Detroit into a contender, and the team is struggling to remain in contention for the eighth playoff seed.
