HoopsHype.com Rumors

According to several sources with knowledge of the situation, 76ers coach Doug Collins and the team's ownership are working on a buyout agreement and Collins will not return as the coach next season. "He's not coming back," a team source said. "This is something that both sides have been thinking about for some time. It looks like they are going to part ways. I'm certain Doug will be looking for a buyout. From what I understand, both sides want to make it an amicable parting of the ways." Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

"I know that [Collins] wanted this to be his final stop in anyone's front office," a source said. "But I am certain that he won't be back coaching the team next season." Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

Two sources said the Sixers would look outside the franchise to find a new coach. Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

Christopher A. Vito: Hearing Sixers would prefer to amicably negotiate w/ Doug Collins, keeping him around in some capacity, as opposed to straight-up buyout. Twitter @ChrisVito

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

Ken Berger: An "amicable" agreement is being pursued by both sides, with possibilities ranging from a buyout to Collins staying on in front-office role. Twitter @KBergCBS

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

Tzvi Twersky: Doug Collins might very well have told Sixers he is not returning, as @wojyahoonba reported. But Collins has NOT told the players that yet. Twitter @TTwersky

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

John R. Finger: Evan Turner: "Sometimes you have to remember that it’s just a game and he has to live his life. It’s not like he’s leaving & going to jail.” Twitter @jrfingerCSN

Philadelphia 76ers, Evan Turner, Coaching, Doug Collins 

There are no front-runners for the Sixers' coaching job, according to one source. Of the coaches on staff, there is a possibility that the Sixers might turn to associate head coach Michael Curry or former player Aaron McKie, also on the staff, a source said. Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins, Michael Curry 

Philadelphia 76ers coach Doug Collins has informed ownership that he will resign at season's end, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Collins, 62, has one year left on a four-year deal, but has told management he won't return in that job. Collins' possible return to the franchise in another role – perhaps in the front office – hasn't been ruled out, a source said. Yahoo! Sports

Philadelphia 76ers, Doug Collins 

Doug Collins' agent, John Langel, was unequivocal when asked whether his client plans to coach Philadelphia 76ers next season. "He's the coach, and he'll continue to be the coach," Langel said after the Sixers routed the Cleveland Cavaliers 91-77 Sunday in their home finale. Collins has refused repeatedly to speak about whether he intends to return next season and fulfill the final year of his contract, which will reportedly pay him $4.5 million. He has asked his agent to not seek a contract extension. "Last year we asked for an extension," Langel said. "This year he's asked me not to ask for an extension. He wants to take it year by year by year. Last year was very important for him to have the extension. This year he said, 'I want to just see where I'm at.' " USA Today Sports

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

Speculation on Collins' future with the team has intensified since The Philadelphia Inquirer, citing unnamed league sources, reported Thursday that some in the Sixers front office want Collins to step down. "Bob Ford has reliable sources, right?" Langel said. "So, he got his story from somewhere. Doug and I don't know where. We've asked the Sixers where." USA Today Sports

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

John Mitchell: Collins agent: last year Doug asked me to ask for an extension. This year he did not. Twitter @JmitchInquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

Dan Gelston: Agent John Langel says Doug Collins is "here for another year, at least." Twitter @APgelston

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

Dan Gelston: Agent John Langel says Doug Collins is the coach "and he'll continue to be the coach. Twitter @APgelston

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Brian James said he has not had any formal talks with Northwestern University to become an assistant coach with the men’s basketball team. Chris Collins, son of Sixers coach Doug Collins, was recently named the head coach there. “I have not talked to anyone about a position,” James, reached this morning by phone, said. “I have talked to Chris since he got the job and I’m very happy for him. We talked about his future. As far as I am concerned, I’m here waiting to see what happens.” Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins, Brian James 

“Obviously I have a very strong relationship with the Collins family; that’s something that goes without saying, so of course Chris and I have talked. But I have had no formal conversations with Northwestern.” Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins, Brian James 

Collins is the one making the decision, however, and, according to well-placed sources, his staff is already beginning to scatter. Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins, Brian James 

Philly management has said repeatedly that the decision to either keep coaching or step aside will be Doug Collins' call, with Collins staying on in a front-office or advisory role if he decides to leave the bench said to be one potential option. ESPN.com

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

While 76ers coach Doug Collins has not addressed a column in Thursday's Inquirer that indicated ownership wants him to resign, there are others in front offices around the league that are willing to talk about it. Such was the case Friday when an Atlantic Division general manager, speaking anonymously, addressed the situation. "Doug has gotten them to the playoffs in the last two seasons, so he's got that going for him," the general manager said. "Everyone knows he's an excellent coach. But that situation wasn't right from the start," he continued, obviously referring to the trade for Andrew Bynum, who never played this season for the Sixers. "Does he get the blame for that? I don't know. Seems like there's something else going on. I don't know, so I can't speak specifically. You just wonder." Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins 

“Absolutely," said Collins when asked if he feels management has his back. "I’m going to talk about the NBA, I’m going to talk about Washington, so let’s move forward about the Washington game. Let’s move forward to the basketball game. We have 4 more games to play. I’ve told you all along, I’m not the topic of conversation. We’re going to focus in on the games, we’re going to play those. We’ll sit down at the end of the season, as we’ve always done. I have a wonderful relationship with (owner) Josh Harris and we will discuss what we need to do next year. Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Doug Collins