Slumping 76ers fire Cheeks, name DiLeo

December 14, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

The move comes despite last season’s playoff berth.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Maurice Cheeks was fired Saturday as coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, who are slumping at 9-14 a year after making the playoffs. Assistant general manager Tony DiLeo was appointed coach for rest of the season.

The dismissal came hours before the 76ers were to play at home, with DiLeo making his coaching debut against Washington.

Team president Ed Stefanski said he met with Cheeks, describing the former 76er star as a “gentleman throughout” and a “class act.”

“I felt we were not progressing the way we had wanted to progress,” Stefanski said. “I didn’t feel on the floor we were executing the philosophy we wanted to have as Sixers basketball.”

Cheeks was one of more the popular players in 76ers history and was starting his fourth season as coach. Stefanski had given Cheeks two contract extensions in the past season, but the slow start was enough to cost him his job.

Cheeks became the fifth NBA coach fired this season following P.J. Carlesimo (Oklahoma City), Eddie Jordan (Washington), Sam Mitchell (Toronto) and Randy Wittman (Minnesota).

A message left on Cheeks’ cell phone was not immediately returned.

DiLeo has spent 19 seasons with the 76ers. He was promoted to senior vice president/assistant general manager in 2003.

His son, T.J. DiLeo, is a guard for Temple and he said after the Owls’ 88-72 win over No. 8 Tennessee that he was excited his father had a chance to coach.

“I think it’s unfortunate for Mo, he’s a great coach, but my dad is ready to step in,” DiLeo said. “This caught us by surprise. We had no idea.”

DiLeo said he hadn’t talked to his father yet, but noticed one missed call from him on his cell phone.

Cheeks led the 76ers to the playoffs last year for the first time while he was coach. Philadelphia was one of the surprise teams in the East last season, and the 76ers anticipated a deep run in the playoffs this year.

They signed Elton Brand to a five-year deal worth nearly $80 million last summer, but they have struggled with him in the lineup and have lost eight of 10.

Last season, the 76ers lost in the first round to Detroit. After an 18-30 start, Philadelphia won 18 of its next 23 games and wound up at 40-42, the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.