Clippers Offer Huggins Job

After nearly six months without a permanent head coach, the Clippers have reportedly offered Cincinnati’s Bob Huggins a four-year, $8-million contract and he’s expected to make a decision today.

According to team sources, Huggins officially met the Clippers on Friday when he interviewed with Elgin Baylor, vice president of basketball operations, and Andy Roeser, executive vice president, in Los Angeles. The meeting went well and Huggins told the Clippers he needed time to think about the offer.

Huggins then returned to meet with Cincinnati Athletic Director Bob Goin Saturday morning and did not return phone calls Sunday.

“He’s thinking about whether to take it or not,” Goin said Sunday night about Huggins. “He’s indicated to me that he was thinking it over.

“Obviously, it will be a fantastic loss for the University of Cincinnati. He has done so many great things. He’s got to make up his mind on what kind of lifestyle he wants.”

Huggins first contacted the Clippers about the position when the team picked up young talented players such as Darius Miles, Keyon Dooling, Corey Maggette and Quentin Richardson on draft night last month. Huggins made it no secret he was interested in working with versatile swingman Lamar Odom and work-in-progress center Michael Olowokandi.

Two weeks ago, Huggins’ name then moved to the top of the Clippers’ list when owner Donald Sterling had an informal dinner meeting with him in Las Vegas. Since then, both parties denied any consideration of Huggins until late last week when the Bearcat coach was seen with Baylor and Roeser.

“[Huggins] has consistently sought [the Clipper] job,” said a college assistant coach who requested anonymity. “He has an out in his contract, and he loves the players they have on the team. As of Friday, the terms seemed like they were acceptable.”

Huggins earns an estimated $900,000 a year, depending on his Nike apparel deal, incentive bonuses and camp proceeds. If Huggins stays at Cincinnati two more seasons, he will take ownership of an annuity that will be worth more than $1 million.

Or, he could become the 10th Clipper coach since 1989.

“We’re acknowledging that we’ve had discussions, but there hasn’t been [any deal] reached yet,” said Huggins’ agent, Brett Adams.

Baylor has said the Clippers wanted a coach who could work well with the franchise’s core players, which include five who will not turn 21 until after the regular season begins.

In Huggins, the Clippers would be getting one of the hardest working coaches in the college ranks. Huggins is 275-82 in 11 seasons at Cincinnati.

Current Clipper assistant Dennis Johnson, who has been in the running for the head coaching position, said Sunday that he would like remain as an assistant under Huggins.

“If he would have me, I would want to stay with the Clippers,” Johnson said. “My goal is to stay in the NBA. We’ll have to see what develops.”

If Huggins decides not to take the job, the Clippers may offer the position to former Atlanta and Cleveland coach Mike Fratello, who withdrew his name from the hunt for a second time last week, or to Denver assistant John Lucas, a former San Antonio and Philadelphia coach who declined comment Sunday.