Apr 7, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas reacts to a call during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
REPORTS: Rockets to part ways with Stephen Silas
Shortly after the final buzzer sounded of the Rockets’ 114-109 season-ending win over the Washington Wizards, multiple reports surfaced saying Stephen Silas would not return next season as Rockets head coach.
The Rockets held a team option on Silas for the 2023-24 season, and he acknowledged his contract situation before Tuesday’s home finale against the Pistons. Silas told reporters after Sunday’s game he’d be meeting with Rockets brass on Monday morning.
The Rockets completely dismantled the James Harden, Russell Westbrook veteran-laden roster Silas was hired to lead before he coached his 10th game and went all-in on a rebuild that saw them make seven first-round picks in a two-year span. After trading Eric Gordon in February, the Rockets’ most-used starting lineupconsisted of five players 22 years old or younger.
Silas will leave the Rockets with a 59-177 record, and he becomes the franchise’s first head coach not to be given a fourth year since Tom Nissalke almost 45 years ago.
A source told Gallery Sports the Rockets plan to “swing for a big name” to replace Silas with current Raptors head coach Nick Nurse, if he becomes available, Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson, former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel, former Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, and Blazers assistant Scott Brooks at the top of their list.
