Wolves reportedly land Rambis as coach

Reports say that Kurt Rambis will sign a contract to be the Wolves' next coach Monday or Tuesday.

Staff and Wire Reports

Last update: August 9, 2009 - 11:37 AM

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National media outlets are reporting that Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis has agreed to become coach of the Wolves, accepting at least a three-year deal. But Wolves GM David Kahn said a deal has yet to be finalized.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that a news conference will be held early this week announcing the deal. Rambis' agent, Lon Rosen, was not available for comment.

Rambis, who made a name for himself with the Lakers in the 1980s with his rugged play, spent the last 10 seasons as an assistant to Phil Jackson.

Rambis would take over a Wolves team that finished 24-58 last season and fired Kevin McHale in June.

The coaching announcement would cap off a busy summer for Rambis, who was chosen for the Minnesota job over TV analyst and former star point guard Mark Jackson and Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner. The Sacramento Kings offered Rambis their head coaching position but ultimately chose Paul Westphal after Rambis asked for more than the two-year contract and money that was offered. He was also interviewed for the head coaching vacancy with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Rambis has head coaching experience, in a limited fashion. He was 25-13 in 1999 with the Lakers after taking over as interim coach for the fired Del Harris.

Jackson was soon hired by the Lakers, and eventually Rambis joined the staff as an assistant. He has also filled in at certain times because of medical issues involving Jackson, who briefly floated the idea Rambis could assume coaching duties on various trips in the 2009-10 season.

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