Clippers to begin search for new coach to replace Vinny Del Negro

The Clippers are just starting to compile a list of coaching candidates to replace the fired Vinny Del Negro, said several NBA executives who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers Coach Byron Scott, Golden State Warriors assistant coach Mike Malone and San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer are the top candidates, one executive said.

Indiana Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw, ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy also are candidates, the executives said. Stan Van Gundy would be a candidate if he hadn’t said Tuesday that he wasn’t interested in coaching this season, an executive said.

Former Phoenix Suns Coach Alvin Gentry, who once coached the Clippers, is also a candidate.

Atlanta Coach Larry Drew, whose job status with the Hawks remains uncertain, is interested in the Clippers’ job, several executives said.

Memphis Coach Lionel Hollins, whose team is playing the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals, also is someone the Clippers are interested in. But Hollins, who is in the final year of his contract, may be too pricey for the Clippers.

Also, the Grizzlies haven’t given any team permission to speak with Hollins, one NBA executive said.

Scott coached Paul his first three-plus seasons in the NBA with the Hornets.

Malone was an assistant coach for Hornets Coach Monty Williams when Paul played in New Orleans.

The Clippers will take their time and plan on having a coach in place by the June 27 NBA draft, one executive said.

“They are just trying to do their due diligence right now,” one NBA executive said. “It’s still early for them. They haven’t talked to any coach yet. They are just starting the process. There is no timetable for them.”

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