Report: Sixers D’Antoni Earns Second Interview with Rockets

Sixers assistant coach Mike D'Antoni has reportedly earned a second interview with the Rockets, and has emerged as the front-runner to land the head coaching job in Houston.

According to the ESPN report, D'Antoni, who is currently an 'associate head coach' with the 76ers, impressed Rockets owner Leslie Alexander. The 65-year-old has an overall record of 455-426 in the regular season as a head coach and was named as the 2004-2005 NBA Coach of the Year.

Talks between D’Antoni and Houston have been ongoing, it was reported by on May 4 that D'Antoni had met with the Rockets, but there are other big name coaches who have interviewed for the position.

Some reported candidates include former Suns coach Jeff Hornacek, former Cavaliers coach David Blatt, Clippers assistant Sam Cassell, Hornets assistant Stephen Silas and Rockets assistant Chris Finch. Former Pacers coach Frank Vogel and Spurs assistant Ettore Messina have all been mentioned as candidates for the job.