National Basketball Association coach Larry Brown of Philadelphia, and George Karl of Milwaukee Bucks, became the latest coaches to say no to the University of North Carolina coaching vacancy.
Both graduates of the storied Atlantic Coast Conference School had been considered leading candidates to succeed the retired Bill Guthridge. But both decided Monday to stay in the NBA.
"Out of my respect for coach Dean Smith, and my love for the university, I met with their representatives," Brown said in a statement.
"After discussions with my family, and considering how much I care about Philadelphia and our fans, I have decided to continue my efforts and fulfill my dream of helping to bring a championship to Philadelphia."
Brown, 58, has been with the Sixers since 1997 and signed a five-year contract extension last season. He has said he wants to coach Philadelphia until he can coach his 5-year-old son in high school.
Like Brown, Karl played for the legendary Smith at North Carolina.
"It's unfortunate for everyone that the timing isn't better," Karl said. "I have so much love and respect for coach Smith and the North Carolina program. I'm flattered and honored to be approached about what I consider the best coaching job in college basketball.
"Right now, however, I also have a loyalty to an organization that has treated me very well, an owner who has shown a great deal of faith in me, and a team that's on the verge of something special."
Karl, 49, is 70-62 in two seasons with Milwaukee, guiding the Bucks to consecutive playoff berths for the first time in nearly a decade.
While the Tar Heels' job may be the "best in college basketball," it is becoming increasingly difficult to fill.
Since Guthridge announced his retirement on June 30, University of Kansas coach Roy Williams, and University of South Carolina coach Eddie Fogler, also have taken himself out of consideration as his successor.
Other likely candidates, all Tar Heel alumni, include college coaches Matt Doherty, Buzz Peterson and NBA television analyst Kenny Smith – (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
