The Philadelphia 76ers officially fired head coach Brett Brown after seven seasons on Monday evening, just one day after they were swept out of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics in the Orlando bubble.
It brings the end to a seven-year tenure in which Brown guided the 76ers out of the darkness that was “The Process” and into a time in which they were considered serious contenders in the Eastern Conference for the better part of the last three years.
Over those seven seasons, Brown went 221-334, including his first three seasons of 19, 18, and 10 wins. But over the last three years, his Sixers 146-91.
“In 2013, I was employed to lead one of the most dramatic rebuilds in professional sports history. In the past seven years, our players and coaches have evolved and grown, and I have deep appreciation for the 102 players I have coached. I am grateful for my coaching staffs and their dedication to our common goal, while also proud to see three of my former assistants now deservedly, NBA Head Coaches and one a major college Head Coach.
I would also like to thank the ownership group, led by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, former GM Sam Hinkie, the 76ers’ historic alumni, our passionate fans, and finally, current GM Elton Brand, who I coached and worked for. He is a high-character talent that the 76ers are fortunate to have. I sincerely wish him, the players, and the next coaching staff my very best in their pursuit of an NBA championship.
Thank you, Philadelphia.”
““I have a tremendous level of respect for Brett both personally and professionally and appreciate all he’s done for the 76ers organization and the City of Philadelphia,” Brand said. “He did many positive things during his time here, developing young talent and helping position our team for three straight postseason appearances. Unfortunately, we fell well short of our goals this year and I believe it is best to go in a new direction. This will be an important offseason for us as we look to get back on track towards our goal of competing for an NBA championship.”