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O’Brien Will Coach 76ers

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From Associated Press

The Philadelphia 76ers hired Jim O’Brien as their coach Tuesday, handing the former Boston Celtic coach a team that could be on the verge of a major rebuilding project.

O’Brien replaces Chris Ford, who was promoted from assistant on an interim basis after Randy Ayers was fired Feb. 10. O’Brien will be introduced today at a news conference.

O’Brien, 52, stepped down as coach of the Celtics on Jan. 27 after clashing with Danny Ainge, the team’s executive director of basketball operations. O’Brien was 139-119 with the Celtics and led them to the Eastern Conference finals and semifinals the last two seasons.

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O’Brien is a Philadelphia native who attended college at Saint Joseph’s.

Though star guard Allen Iverson is signed through 2008-09, it’s possible he could be traded. Several others, including Derrick Coleman, Glenn Robinson, Eric Snow and Aaron McKie, might be made available.

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