FILE - In this May 29, 2008, file photo, broadcaster Doug Collins chats before the Los Angeles Lakers played the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference basketball finals, in Los Angeles. A person familiar with the talks says the Philadelphia 76ers are negotiating with Collins to become their new coach. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the negotiations were supposed to remain confidential. Team president Ed Stefanski interviewed Collins on May 1, and he emerged as the leading candidate to replace the fired Eddie Jordan. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
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UPDATE May 21, 8:08 am: This has been confirmed by everyone now and the formal announcement will come later today.
As for details, ESPN.com’s Chris Sheridan is reporting it’s a four year deal to return to the team that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 1973 NBA Draft. Collins played eight years for the Sixers.
May 20, 8:38 pm: Well, that didn’t take long.
Negotiations started a couple a days ago and now Doug Collins and the Philadelphia 76ers have come to terms on a deal for him to take over as coach of the team, according to Kate Fagan of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
For formal announcement could come as soon as tomorrow with the formal press conference on Monday, she reports.
Collins was the first interview the Sixers had and has been considered the frontrunner since day one. He has coached three NBA teams -- the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards -- and brings some name recognition to the coaching job. He also should have an offense the players understand, which would be a good start.