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No thanks Jarvis tells MJ, Wizards he doesn't want coaching job
Posted: Tuesday May 23, 2000 05:48 PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Mike Jarvis, who had been discussing the Washington Wizards coaching job with team president Michael Jordan, said Monday he has taken his name out of consideration for the NBA job. "As many of you know, I have been in discussion with the Washington Wizards about the head coaching position. Unfortunately, we have not been able to come to a mutual agreement. Therefore, a short time ago I informed Michael Jordan of my desire to withdraw my name from consideration for the job," Jarvis said in a statement. "I wish to now turn my full attention and energy to the task of preparing for the next season at St. John's." Maybe, maybe not. Jarvis' agent, Rob Ades, said Monday night his client was considering other opportunities. "In addition to a couple of other NBA possibilities, he's also considering a major college coaching position in the Big Ten," Ades said. Ades did not identify the Big Ten school, other than to say that it is "a step up from St. John's in terms of stature" and that talks have already begun. There are no current openings at any of the Big Ten schools. On Tuesday, Jarvis refuted Ades' assertion (see inset, below).
While Ades said Jarvis and Jordan were not able to come to financial terms for the Wizards job, Jarvis was also concerned about the amount of authority he would have working under Jordan. Jordan, the Wizards president of basketball operations, had been talking to Jarvis since last week, but on Sunday he gave an indication that the St. John's coach was not the only candidate. "There are a lot of other candidates just as qualified," Jordan said Sunday of Jarvis. "He's one of the guys who's interesting." Wizards officials were unavailable for comment Monday night. Jarvis' withdrawal leaves just one known candidate, veteran NBA coach Lenny Wilkens, who interviewed with Jordan two weeks ago. Jarvis has coached two seasons at St. John's, leading the Red Storm to a 53-17 record and two appearances in the NCAA tournament. "I would like to express my appreciation to the Wizards organization, especially Michael Jordan, for their interest," Jarvis said. "I would also like to thank the president of St. John's, Father Donald Harrington, athletic director Edward Manetta Jr. and our loyal fans for their support and understanding in this process." It was reported last week that Jarvis had been offered the job, a fact he and Jordan denied.
"I am delighted that Mike is staying with us," Harrington said. "He has been in regular contact throughout the process, and I was more than willing to support Mike and [his wife] Connie and their decision, whatever it may have been. I consider St. John's blessed that they will continue to enhance our university community."
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