Clippers Meet With Shue After MacLeod Withdraws

Gene Shue, former coach of the Washington Bullets, Philadelphia 76ers and San Diego Clippers, has emerged as the front-runner for the Clippers’ vacant head coaching job after John MacLeod has withdrawn from consideration for the post.

However, Shue, who met with Clipper owner Donald Sterling and team officials Tuesday, said the club hasn’t offered him the job yet.

“The Clippers still have to make their decision,” Shue said. “I had an excellent meeting with them, but at this point it’s still in the meeting stage. I look at this as a terrific opportunity.”

MacLeod, former coach of the Phoenix Suns, officially withdrew Tuesday after a meeting with Sterling and team officials Monday night. Hubie Brown, former coach of the New York Knicks, and Dallas Coach Dick Motta also withdrew from consideration from the post earlier this month. And Cotton Fitzsimmons, another candidate, took a job with the Phoenix Suns.

“I just didn’t think it was the right job for me,” MacLeod said. “We had good discussions. It wasn’t the city (Los Angeles) by any means. I just felt that the situation wasn’t right for me and my family.

“The only discussion we had was the length and they were willing to offer three years,” MacLeod said.

Clipper officials indicated that they are also considering one other coach.