This is mostly copied from what I posted at RealGM.
Assuming the Sixers need a change from Mo, who is out there?
Here is my take on types of coaches, and what the Sixers need:
Type 1: Upbeat Rebuilder:
Example: Mo Cheeks: Good for Sixers right after AI trade and other rebuilding young teams
-Player friendly coach who helps young players find a comfort zone where they can improve. Keeps players motivated regardless of W/L. Lacks structure and not overly tactical. This again benefits younger players allowing them the just play without overthinking the game and without risking ending up in the coaches doghouse for every mistake.
Type 2: Teacher/Tactician:
Examples: Rick Carlisle, Hubie Brown, Lary Brown- Coaches that demand execution and can instal more complex offensive and defensive schemes- sometimes at the expense of ego/doghouse issues.
-Good for a team like the Sixers are now. They have good character, talented players. The pieces now have to be deployed in a more structured system to get to the next level.
Type 3: Gimmick Coaches:
Examples: Jim O'Brian, Dantonni, Doug Mo- Coaches that have a certain novel system that players have to adapt to. The system goes against some kind of conventional hoops wisdom.
-Not necessarily good or bad per say. Can be successful with the right collection of players, but has rarely (never?) resulted in championships. Probably not the best course for the Sixers given they don't have much roster/cap flexibility at this point.
Type 4: Zen Masters:
Exeamples: Riley, Red Aurbach, Phil Jackson- Coaches that are well suited for integarting big ego, high profile players into a team concept. get to coach the best teams and make huge salaries.
-The Sixers probably are not in need for this type of coach. In fact, their young players probably need more of the teacher type for a few years before they would benefiot form a "Zen Master."