PHILADELPHIA, April 20 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia 76ers announced Tuesday they have agreed to terms with Jim O'Brien to replace interim coach Chris Ford and work with Allen Iverson.
A Philadelphia native who played and coached at St. Joseph's, O'Brien, 52, resigned from the Boston Celtics on Jan. 27, apparently over philosophical differences with executive Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge.
O'Brien was 22-24 this season and 139-119 over parts of four seasons with Boston. He was 13-13 in the playoffs, including a first-round win over Philadelphia in 2002.
O'Brien will be Philadelphia's fourth coach in less than a year. Last May, Larry Brown resigned after six years with the club. He was replaced by Randy Ayers, who went 21-31 before being fired and replaced by Ford.
Ford feuded with Iverson and was 12-18 as the Sixers missed the playoffs for the first time since 1998.
