The Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers have both “contacted” SMU coach Larry Brown about their coaching openings, a source close to Brown told SNY.tv.
The source said a third team, possibly the Los Angeles Clippers, has also reached out to Brown, 72. The source requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak publicly for Brown.
“Three NBA teams have talked to him,” the source said, adding that he was not certain of the identity of the third team.
The Nets, Sixers and Clippers all have coaching openings.
Brown is the only man to win an NBA and an NCAA title as a coach and has coached nine NBA teams in his career — including the Nets, Clippers and Sixers.
Indiana Pacers assistant Brian Shaw is reportedly the Nets’ top choice to replace former interim coach P.J. Carlesimo, and the Nets are expected to request permission to speak with Shaw.
The team has also requested permission to interview Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins, according to ESPN.com.
Brown and Nets GM Billy King enjoy a close relationship and worked together when Brown coached the Sixers and King was the GM in Philadelphia.
Still, the source said Brown is happy at SMU and “excited” because his son, L.J., is an incoming freshman who is pursuing a career as a film producer.
L.J. Brown won’t play for the SMU basketball team, which has a strong incoming recruiting class headlined by Texas guard Keith Frazier.
“He loves to teach and coach basketball,” the source said of Larry Brown. “He walks six or seven miles a day. I think he’ll coach till he’s 80. He has more juice than a guy 20 years younger than him.”
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