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**remy23** · 05-27-2005, 08:25 AM

Calipari among Cavs coaching candidates

Friday, May 27, 2005

Branson Wright
Plain Dealer Reporter

Quote:

University of Memphis coach John Calipari has emerged as a candidate to become the next Cavaliers coach, according to a league source.

The Cavs have interviewed Indiana Pacers assistant Mike Brown, former Minnesota Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders, and Memphis Grizzlies assistant Eric Musselman. Owner Dan Gilbert also had a telephone interview with former Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

Calipari did not return a message left at the school Thursday.

Calipari was an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers and at the University of Kansas under coach Larry Brown, the front-runner to become Cavs general manager. The Cavs have asked to speak with Brown at the end of Detroit's season.

It was also learned on Thursday that the Cavs had a telephone interview with Memphis Grizzlies President Jerry West about the GM position. West, under contract for another season, will remain with the Grizzlies.

Grizzlies majority owner Michael Heisley told the Memphis Commercial Appeal, "The bottom line is that Jerry's not interested."

Calipari, 46, took UMass to five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, three Sweet 16s, two Elite Eights and one Final Four in eight years.

Calipari left UMass to become executive vice president of basketball operations and coach of the New Jersey Nets. He led the Nets to the playoffs in his second season, but the Nets were swept in the first round by the Chicago Bulls. He was fired during the 1999 lockout-shortened season when the Nets started 3-17.

Calipari has been at the University of Memphis since 2000.

futuristxen · 05-27-2005, 10:48 AM

I like that Gilbert is exhausting every option. Calling up Jerry West=worth a shot.

**Benedict_Boozer** · 05-27-2005, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by futuristxen

I like that Gilbert is exhausting every option. Calling up Jerry West=worth a shot.

I do too but c'mon, let's get some people signed already. We need to have a GM/President and coach in place so a decision can be made on Z and what our gameplan is for this offseason.

**talula** · 05-27-2005, 03:26 PM

West, Calipari Say 'No' to Cavs

Quote:

New Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has spoken with Grizzlies president Jerry West and Tigers coach John Calipari in his attempt to hire a president, general manager and coach.

But Gilbert's ache to build a playoff team in Cleveland won't have him turning Memphis blue.

West declared his desire to remain in Memphis, where he is under contract through the 2005-06 season, after Gilbert asked for and received permission to talk. And Calipari disregarded today's Cleveland Plain Dealer report that he is a candidate for the coaching vacancy.

"They asked to meet and we talked," Calipari said. "But I'm not a candidate. We've got a good thing going and I'm not looking to do anything. I'm not going to be there. That's not happening. It's just that time of year. I was flattered that they wanted to talk."

This development comes amid reports that Calipari friend and Detroit head coach Larry Brown will become the Cavs' president. Calipari was an assistant coach under Brown with the Philadelphia 76ers and in the college ranks at Kansas.

"Even if (Brown) takes that job I'm not going to Cleveland," Calipari said. "We have a nice team and I'm anxious to continue what we're building."

Calipari acknowledged that he's talked to other NBA teams.

"I'm going to listen," Calipari said, "but the timing is all wrong. I'm very happy here."

Calipari's only NBA head coaching job lasted two-plus seasons with the New Jersey Nets.

**Pioneer10** · 05-27-2005, 03:32 PM

We've gone from phil jackson and flip saunders to john calipari and mike brown: this offseason is starting to become as depressing as the end of the regular season

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