NBA Rumors: 6 Best Possible Replacements for Vinny Del Negro

According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro could be on his way to the unemployment line very soon.

Broussard cites sources saying Del Negro has lost the team, and judging by their play as of late, that's not very hard to believe. Losers of 11 of their past 18 games, a coaching change for the Clips could very well be near.

If the Clippers were to make a move, they need to find a coach that can get things turned around in a hurry. Los Angeles' other team has fallen to 26-21 on the season and are now only one game away from being outside of the playoff picture.

If the team were to make a coaching change mid-season, it's doubtful an experienced head coach would come aboard right away. The Clippers likely would turn to an assistant for now, but going forward, a quality head coach is a must.

Here's a look at a few possible replacements if the Clippers decide to go in a new direction.

Mike D'Antoni

Say what you want about D'Antoni, but he didn't have much of a chance in New York.

D'Antoni has coached good teams in the past, and with a guard like Chris Paul running his offense, the results could be very good. He has posted a career record of 388-339 and is a much better coach then his Knicks teams would lead you to believe.

D'Antoni's high-scoring offense parlayed with Lob City is almost a perfect match.

Nate McMillan

As an NBA head coach, McMillan has put up a 478-452 record in 12 seasons.

Despite the troubles in Portland this season that ultimately led to his firing, McMillan has been known as a players coach.

Given the right situation and talent like Paul and Blake Griffin to work with, McMillan could be the guy to get the Clippers to the next level.

Brian Shaw

Many assumed that Shaw would get the Lakers job when Phil Jackson retired, but he was passed over for Mike Brown.

Currently an assistant in Indiana, Shaw has long been regarded as a future head coach with a promising future ahead of him. He's been waiting for the right situation.

Given the talent to build around on the Clippers right now, a better opportunity might not present itself.

Jerry Sloan

Sloan's a long shot, but he could return to the bench if the chance to chase a championship presented itself. 

Sloan has 1,221 career wins in his pocket and has had success with great point guards like John Stockton and Deron Williams.

The chance of turning Paul and Griffin into the next Stockton and Karl Malone could be enticing.

Flip Saunders

There's no doubt that Saunders' Washington Wizards teams were horrible, but the lack of talent in Washington had more to due with the front office than anything Saunders did.

His lifetime coaching record of 638-526 says he can coach, and he's had postseason success in both Minnesota and Detroit before taking the Washington job.

Could Los Angeles be his next destination?

Jeff Van Gundy

Van Gundy is tremendous on television and might have too sweet of a gig to pass up, but taking over a team with Paul and Griffin already in place has to be tempting.

The younger Van Gundy brother has won 430 games in 11 NBA seasons with the Knicks and Rockets and only failed to take his team to the postseason on one occasion.

Getting another chance at a ring could be the thing to get him back on the sidelines.