According to a Big Lead report, popular Pardon the Interruption host Michael Wilbon is set to be replaced by a former head coach on the set of NBA Countdown.

That former coach is most likely going to be former Sixers player and coach Doug Collins, according to sources.

The report cites reasons for the switch so that Wilbon can primarily focus on his hosting duties at PTI, the show that catapulted his career at ESPN.

During the NBA season, especially in the playoffs, Wilbon has appeared on PTI in various remote locations: Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles.

PTI is filmed in Washington D.C.

The inconsistency of a co host along side Tony Kornheiser has shown in the ratings with Bob Ryan and J.A. Adande failing to match the chemistry created by Kornheiser and Wilbon.

The replacement will be filled by a former head coach and Collins is in the lead due to his extensive television experience.

A source tells The Big Lead that Collins still wants very much to be a game analyst and will do that for ESPN, but his primary role will be on set.

Collins and the Sixers parted ways in April after the 61-year old explained his desire to spend more time with his family--his son Chris is entering his first year on the job as head coach at Northwestern University.

Collins had one year and $4.5 million left on his original four-year deal and is now considered as an adviser to owner Joshua Harris.

The Sixers went 34-48 and missed the playoffs for the first time in his three seasons.

Two other coaches are reportedly on the list, but Collins and ESPN have currently reached the negotiating stage.

 

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