Flip Saunders is the New Coach for Wizards
April 13, 2009 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under Basketball
The Washington Wizards now know who their head coach will be for the 2009-10 NBA season. Even though this season hasn’t ended yet, multiple sources are confirming that Flip Saunders has agreed to a contract that will make him the next coach for the Wizards.
Flip Saunders, Washington Wizards (Image: Newscom)
Saunders will reportedly sign a deal that will pay him an estimated $18 million over the next four years. Expect the hiring to become official shortly after the season comes to an end on Wednesday. Currently, the Wizards are being coached by Ed Tapscott. Tapscott will likely return to his position within Washington’s front office.
The Wizards and Saunders have been linked for many months. With Washington equipped with a veteran roster, the team is obviously in a win-now mode. Saunders has a long track record of helping his teams put victories on the board.
Beginning his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Saunders eventually moved on to coach the Detroit Pistons. Over a span of 13 season, Saunders was able to advance to the conference finals four different times. All told, he has a 587-396 career record.
The Wizards currently have a record of 19-61 — the worst record in the Eastern Conference.
