Doc Rivers, Gregg Popovich Top Candidates to Coach Team USA


If Mike Krzyzewski keeps his word and steps down as head coach of Team USA, two potential candidates for the 2016 Games are already on USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo’s radar: Celtics coach Doc Rivers and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Louisville’s Rick Pitino is also in the mix, but at this point, he may be a longshot. More details, via ESPN.com: “Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich have indeed already moved to the top of the list to take over in 2013 for Krzyzewski, who is expected to remain with the program as a top aide to Colangelo if he can’t be convinced to extend his coaching tenure. Sources say Louisville coach Rick Pitino has also expressed strong interest in the position, but the general expectation in USAB circles is that Krzyzewski will be succeeded by an NBA coach.”