Woody, coach on the hottest seat?

[OGRat]

from Sports Illustrated

Job Insecurity

Like death, taxes and soap operas in Laker Land, it's a sure thing. Sometime during the 2007-08 season, at least one NBA head coach will get fired.

There's just something about the NBA -- and pro sports in general these days -- that cries out for quick-fix solutions.

Actually, this year doesn't look as if it will be a big one in terms of the number of coaching changes. Nine clubs already have done so since the start of last season. In addition, some coaches are either untouchable (Gregg Popovich, Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, etc.) or they recently signed extensions (Isiah Thomas, Eddie Jordan, Lawrence Frank) that should give them extra latitude.

That said, who will be the first to go? It remains to be seen, of course, but he will almost certainly come out of the Eastern Conference. And keep in mind, we're talking here about the guys most likely to be fired -- not necessarily the guys feeling the most pressure.

If you want to talk about pressure, think Flip Saunders in Detroit, Doc Rivers in Boston or Mike Brown in Cleveland. But Rivers will be given at least the full season to see if he can make it work. Ditto for Brown, who just guided the Cavs to the NBA Finals a year ago.

For Saunders, however, that might not be the case. He's part of our list of six coaches on the hot seat (from hot to hottest):

6. Maurice Cheeks, 76ers

Normally, Cheeks would be considered safe. Nice guy. Popular in Philly. Rebuilding team. But he's in the last year of his contract, same as general manager Billy King. Meanwhile, the ghost of Larry Brown hovers. If the Sixers sputter early and lose all the positive energy built up over last season's promising finish, owner Ed Snider might just summon his old pal Brown back to the sideline.

5. Lawrence Frank, Nets

As noted above, Frank signed a two-year contract extension in the offseason. He also seems to have the full support of his key players, as well as Nets president Rod Thorn. However, Frank has yet to lead the Nets past the second round of the playoffs, and he has come under fire in some quarters for his team's lack of offensive diversity. If New Jersey doesn't start strong, the NBA's Doogie Howser could have his show canceled.

4. Eddie Jordan, Wizards

Like Frank, Jordan is working under a new deal (he signed a three-year extension in July 2006 that kicks in this season). His record is solid as well, having led Washington to the playoffs three straight years. But Jordan's issues with Gilbert Arenas -- and his team's inability to improve defensively -- could prove fatal if the Wizards don't live up to expectations.

3. Isiah Thomas, Knicks

Last year he survived a "win-or-else" ultimatum from management, securing a new deal from owner James Dolan after guiding the Knicks into playoff contention with a 29-34 start (New York went 4-15 following the extension announcement). But this summer's sexual harassment fiasco has put him back in a negative light -- at least with the public. Plus, this is New York we're talking about here. Two years is an eternity for any coach in Gotham. Knicks fans and the New York media will be calling for Thomas' scalp if his high-priced cast doesn't win right away.

2. Flip Saunders, Pistons

No coach -- even Rivers -- will be under a more intense spotlight. After two straight losses in the conference finals, Saunders is facing those old questions about his ability to take a team to the top. His shaky relationship with Rasheed Wallace doesn't help his cause. Pistons president Joe Dumars isn't the type to overreact, but he has shown that he's not afraid to take bold action (see Rick Carlisle). He has two former NBA head coaches in assistants Terry Porter and Dave Cowens ready to take over if necessary.

1. Mike Woodson, Hawks

The pressure to win now is evident for the Haws, whose eight-year playoff drought is the NBA's longest-active streak. Woodson has made progress with a youthful roster, but the former Larry Brown assistant has not been able to get Atlanta out of the lottery in his first three seasons. In the final year of his contract, Woodson knows he's vulnerable.