Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced today that Tony DiLeo has withdrawn his name from consideration to return as head coach 2009-10 season and will return to his previous position as Senior Vice President and Assistant General Manager.  Effectively immediately, the Sixers will begin an extensive search for new head coach.

?Tony and I had a meeting scheduled for this afternoon, during which time he informed me of his decision that he would not return as head coach next season,? Stefanski said. ?I want to thank Tony for the commendable job he did this season under some unique and difficult circumstances, including leading us to the playoffs.?

DiLeo was named the franchise?s 22nd head coach on December 13, 2008 and he subsequently led the Sixers to a 32-27 (.542) record and the No. 6 seed in the 2009 NBA Playoffs.  DiLeo completed his 20th season with the Sixers organization and was in his fifth season as the team?s Senior Vice President and Assistant General Manager prior to being named head coach.