Chaney Says He Will Be Named Clippers’ Coach

Don Chaney, who started negotiating with the Clippers again last week, said Monday night from his Palos Verdes home that he has reached a tentative agreement to coach the Clippers next season.

“I’ll definitely be signed by the middle of next week,” said Chaney, who was the Clippers’ interim coach for the last 21 games last season after Jim Lynam was fired March 6. “Nothing is completely done yet and nothing has been signed, but I’d say it’s 95% set.”

Neither Carl Scheer, the Clippers’ general manager, nor Alan Rothenberg, the club president, could be reached Monday night.

More than a month ago, Chaney rejected the Clippers’ offer of a one-year, $75,000 contract. The contract Chaney has agreed to is for three seasons--only one guaranteed--and for a slightly higher salary than originally offered.

All Chaney would say is that his contract is “up from their (the Clippers’) initial offer.” However, Chaney is currently negotiating several incentive bonuses to be added to the contract.

When asked why he felt it took six weeks to come to terms, Chaney said: “They were searching, I guess, for a better coach or at least another coach. (But) they apparently always had me in mind. . . . I’m happy in that I feel I can coach this team. It’s set, unless something unforeseen pops up.”