MacLeod Says He’s Been Contacted by the Clippers

John MacLeod, who was fired as coach of the Phoenix Suns last month, said Monday that Clipper officials have contacted him to see if he is interested in coaching the team next season.

MacLeod, who has been mentioned as a candidate for several other National Basketball Assn. and college coaching positions, said he won’t discuss the Clipper job until after the season ends next month.

The Clippers (11-55) have the worst record in the National Basketball Assn. and will fail to make the playoffs for the 11th consecutive season.

“My position was that I don’t want to discuss a job while the present coach is under contract,” MacLeod said from his home in Phoenix. “It’s not appropriate for me to discuss a job while the coach is fighting his tail off for his job.

“I told them I would talk at an appropriate time.”

Clipper President Alan Rothenberg was unavailable for comment.

Clipper General Manager Elgin Baylor said: “We’re going to evaluate the coach and team after the season.

“If there’s any change to be made, it will be made after the season.”

MacLeod listed three criteria he would consider before taking a job--club ownership, organizational stability and the club’s commitment to winning and excellence.

“There can’t be a haphazard approach,” MacLeod said. “They’re either committed or not committed.”

MacLeod was in his 14th season when he was fired by the Suns last Feb. 26 and replaced by TV broadcaster Dick Van Arsdale.

MacLeod compiled a record of 579-543 and made the playoffs nine times, including eight consecutive appearances from 1977-78 to 1984-85. The Suns reached the NBA final in 1975-76, losing to the Boston Celtics.

Clipper Coach Don Chaney has compiled a 52-117 record in two-plus seasons. He signed a new multiyear contract with the Clippers two days after the 1985-86 season ended.

The Clippers will try to snap a five-game losing streak tonight when they play the Denver Nuggets in Denver.

The Clippers are 3-1 against the Nuggets this season. Denver is the only team that has a losing record against the Clippers.