Commentary

Coaching Hot Seat: Whose job could be in jeopardy?

Originally Published: November 14, 2007
By Chris Sheridan | ESPN.com
Trivia time: After Jerry Sloan (20th year in Utah) and Gregg Popovich (12th year in San Antonio), who is the NBA's most-tenured coach?

Hint: He coached the Eastern Conference team at last season's All-Star Game in Las Vegas.

Yes, it's a head-scratcher.

Let's throw in some other hints that just might turn you from scratching your head to smashing your open palm against your forehead: He was born and raised in the city where he now coaches; he played seven years in the NBA and was once traded for Byron Scott (who he later served under as an assistant coach); he holds a share of the NBA record for most steals in a half (eight); and he won a championship ring with the '82 Lakers.

The answer is none other than Washington Wizards coach Eddie Jordan, the guy who might be leading this Coaching Hot Seat list at something approaching even-money odds if not for the loyalty of owner Abe Pollin, his track record of taking the Wizards to the playoffs three straight years despite some similarly slow starts, and the way his club responded after an 0-4 start by soundly defeating the Atlanta Hawks on the road Sunday.

Sources close to the Wizards maintain Jordan's job status has been the topic of "zero discussion" in Washington's front office, and only a sustained period of losing could put him in jeopardy.

Last year, Mike Fratello was the first to go. But it took the Grizzlies 30 games to drop the ax on him, so it may be a while before we see our first coaching change of this season.

With that caution in mind, we present our morning line on this season's first version of the Coaching Hot Seat list.

THE FAVORITES


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