Heard Reportedly Ready to Join Wizards as Coach

WASHINGTON —  Detroit assistant Gar Heard has reached an agreement with the Washington Wizards to be the team’s next coach, according to several media reports.

ESPN and Washington television stations WTTG, WUSA and WJLA and The Washington Post reported Tuesday night that the Wizards have agreed to terms with Heard, and a news conference announcing the hiring could come as early as today.

The Post said the contract was worth $1.5 million to $2 million annually for three years.

“I feel we’ve got a chance to turn things around quickly but we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Heard told the Post.

The 51-year-old Heard reportedly was offered the job after talks with former all-star guard and NBC studio analyst Isiah Thomas broke off.

A former 11-year NBA player, Heard would replace Jim Brovelli, who took over the Wizards on an interim basis this season after Bernie Bickerstaff was fired.

An assistant for 12 seasons, Heard was with the Pistons last season. He was Dallas’ interim coach in 1993 and went 9-44 as Richie Adubato’s replacement.