Thomas' next stop: FIU?
ESPN.com news services

Florida International is trying to hire former New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas as its next basketball coach, sources have told ESPN.com's Andy Katz.

Sources confirm that FIU made calls within the conference recently to check on the viability of hiring Isiah Thomas.

Florida International coach Sergio Rouco was fired Monday, and sources confirm that FIU athletic director Pete Garcia made calls within the conference recently to check on the viability of hiring Thomas.

A source close to the situation said that if Garcia is unable to reach a deal with Thomas this week, he would likely pursue another coaching candidate to replace Rouco.

The Sun Belt has recently become a second-chance destination. Florida Atlantic hired former St. John's coach Mike Jarvis and Arkansas State hired former LSU coach John Brady.

Rich Kelch, a Florida International spokesperson, wouldn't confirm or deny the school's interest in Thomas (or any other coaching names) to replace Rouco, who was fired after five straight losing seasons, including a 13-20 campaign this year.

Rouco finished with a 55-94 record in five years at FIU, which hasn't finished with a winning record since going 16-14 in the 1999-2000 season.

"We feel that it is now time to move in a different direction," Garcia said Monday. "Sergio will remain in our organization in a different capacity and we look forward to continuing to work with him to further build the FIU program."

Thomas won NBA titles as a player with the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990, and an NCAA championship with Indiana in 1981. He joined the Knicks as the team president in 2003 and became coach in June 2006.

Last season, Thomas drew the wrath of fans in New York and was dismissed with a 56-108 record with the Knicks. Overall, he is 187-223 as an NBA coach, leading the Indiana Pacers to the playoffs in three straight years from 2000-03.

Two weeks ago, ESPN.com reported that Thomas spoke with Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling about a job. Thomas has two years left on his contract with the Knicks, but has been granted permission to seek work elsewhere.

On Oct. 24, 2008, police in Westchester County, N.Y., said they found a man passed out on the floor after an accidental overdose on sleeping pills at Thomas' house. Authorities have not publicly identified the man as Thomas, who said it was his teenage daughter who required treatment.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Posted by CrushAlot:

What did the classified ad say? Wanted narcissistic, sociopath, with suicidal tendencies. Must be confirmed or convicted racist, liar, and sexual harrasser to mold and coach impressionable young men.

Posted by Papabear:

Posted by Nalod:


Co-eds!

Isiah as a new field to play in! A well dressed smooth operater can start obsessing over some young intern-manager types who work for the team, or the best of all: Cheerleaders!!!!

Creepy Isiah recruiting? Anyone want this slimball over seeing your sons education?

Creepy Isiah working with a coaching staff?

creepy Isiah working with the administration?

Why would you bring this guy on campus?

Is he gonna bring Brendan Suhr with him also?

Papabear Says
Come on guys I don't think Isiah came to New York trying to destroy the team. Yes he made bad decisions just like others before him. We can all let it go now. The problem is that no one who can really play wants to come to New York. We are very quick to throw someone under the bus. I guess the lesson to be learned will be that in 2010 when we come out with nothing, no Lebron, no Bosh, no Wade, and it's not that they don't like New York, they don't like the way we treat people. Charles Barkley said it best when we threw Patrik Ewing under the bus and he gave his all and all to New York. We are looking more like the Clippers of the east every day. I wish Isiah the best with his new coaching job. He was one of the greatest point guards to play the game and he failed in New York and I thought he should be let go. It looks like D'Antonio ain't doing such a good job either. It looks like he won't match Isiah's win mark this season. I am willing to wait till next season and maybe if we show some appreciation with what little we have maybe a star player might come to New York but I doubt it!!

LOL typical.

Posted by Marv:

Posted by VDesai:

Florida International- isn't that where Jerome James went to school?

our beloved big game went to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Posted by Allanfan20:

Isiah wouldn't still be on the books? He still has a year left on his contract I believe. It automatically gets wiped out since he gets a new job?