Fansided

Doug Collins is ‘through coaching’; joins ESPN broadcast team

By Brad Rowland

Apr 14, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doug Collins watches from the bench during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers, 91-77. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doug Collins watches from the bench during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers, 91-77. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 14, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doug Collins watches from the bench during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers, 91-77. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doug Collins watches from the bench during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers, 91-77. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

After a disastrous stint on the bench with the Philadelphia 76ers, NBA veteran head coach Doug Collins was unceremoniously relieved of his duties. Now, there is “official” word that Collins will never return to the NBA bench.

In an interview with Marc Stein of ESPN, Collins said this when asked about his coaching prospects:

"“No, I’m through coaching. I said it when I went to Philly. That was my last spot. Like I said, it was a circle of life for me.”"

That is plain and simple. Frankly, it is probably time for Collins to get off the bench permanently, as it appeared to most that his performance in Philadelphia was the product of a “mail-in” from him coupled with being visibly out of touch with today’s NBA.

On cue, of course, Collins is headed back to television to discuss the league again, and this time, he’ll be with ESPN. The “worldwide leader” made this official recently, and they did so with this official announcement:

"“ESPN today announced it has reached a multi-year agreement with veteran NBA head coach Doug Collins. Collins will serve as an analyst on NBA Countdown – ABC and ESPN’s NBA pre-game show – with Basketball Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jalen Rose and Bill Simmons. In addition, he will serve as a game analyst for select telecasts on ESPN.”"

To be honest, I can’t imagine how Collins would fit with the “looser” crew that ESPN has assembled in the studio, but he’s been a quality game analyst for the majority of his TV career. He is probably most famous (from an analyst perspective) for the way that Team USA greeted him following their 2008 Gold Medal win, but before that, he served as a quality voice for TNT’s NBA coverage.

I’m looking forward to hearing Collins’ unique perspective on the league again, and it’s the best case scenario for all parties involved.

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