The Sixer Sense
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3 coaches who could replace Doc Rivers if 76ers get bounced in second round

Christopher Kline|
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 07: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on April 7, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 07: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on April 7, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

3. Frank Vogel

The Sixers hired Doc Rivers because of his pedigree. Rivers has a championship on his résumé and experience coaching star players. If the Sixers do fire Rivers, it is with the ultimate goal of bolstering their ability to compete for a title. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them prioritize experience and past accomplishments once again.

Enter Frank Vogel, who is bound to get plenty of looks from others teams this summer. Vogel spent five years as head coach of the Pacers and two years as head coach of the Magic before landing with LeBron James and the Lakers in 2019. He won the infamous “Bubble” championship in 2020 — a championship nonetheless.

While many will attribute Vogel’s title win to LeBron James, it is always hard to reach the mountaintop, no matter who is on your team. Erik Spoelstra and Tyronn Lue both won titles with LeBron and have since proven their mettle as arguably the two best coaches in the sport. Vogel was well-regarded before his Lakers stint and spent many contending seasons with the Pacers.

Known primarily for his defensive acumen, Vogel would bring different strengths to the table than Rivers, who is known for his consistently above-average offenses. The Sixers certainly have the personnel to field an elite defense and Vogel could still bring fresh eyes to the Embiid-Harden equation offensively. He’d be a credible replacement.