Former 76ers coach Doc Rivers releases statement to fans after being fired by team.

Philadelphia Coach was fired nick Nursey the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, the team confirmed.

The Sixers lost 112-88 to the Boston Celtics in Game 7 on Sunday, sending them out of the Eastern Conference semifinals for the third consecutive year.

Sources told ESPN that Mike Budenholzer, Sam Cassell, Mike D’Antoni, Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel, and Monty Williams are among the candidates expected to be considered for the position of head coach.

Rivers addressed 76ers supporters on Instagram following his dismissal, saying, “I adore your dedication to the city and its teams – never lose that.” Like you, I was desperate to win another title for Philadelphia. I appreciate you allowing me to take the lead, grow, and fall in love with this wonderful city.”

Among the NBA’s five head coaches with a winning record for at least 16 straight seasons is Rivers. In that time, he has only won one championship, and it was during the inaugural season of the run (with the Celtics).

In his three seasons, Rivers amassed a 154-82 (.653) record, with 54 wins in 2022–2023 being the franchise’s highest total since 2000–2001. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, the Sixers were one of three teams in the top 10 in terms of both offensive and defensive efficiency.

According to a statement from Daryl Morey, president of basketball operations for the 76ers, “Doc is one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, a future Hall of Famer, and someone I respect immensely.” “We appreciate everything he accomplished throughout his three seasons here and acknowledge the significant contribution he made to our team. After giving our season some thought, we concluded that a few adjustments are required to move us closer to our objective of contending for a title.”

Philadelphia is one of the teams having a head coach vacancy, along with the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, and Detroit Pistons.

It was Rivers’ tenth consecutive Game 7 loss, including five in a row, and he had led the team to 16 consecutive winning seasons as head coach. In addition, Rivers’ loss to the Celtics was his ninth consecutive setback that prevented him from making it to the conference finals.

Now, in addition to looking for a replacement for Rivers, Philadelphia must deal with James Harden’s upcoming free agency as the offseason approaches.