Sonics associate head coach Dwane Casey withdrew from consideration for the Milwaukee Bucks head-coaching job yesterday.

The decision came after Casey was in Milwaukee on Monday and Tuesday as the Bucks interviewed potential replacements for George Karl, a former Sonics coach, who was fired last month.

Casey will return for his 10th season with the Sonics. His decision to withdraw came as the Bucks prepare for a second round of interviews this weekend. Casey was contacted by Milwaukee general manager Larry Harris, and after discussing where things stood as the team prepared for the next round of interviews, Casey removed himself from consideration.

"I'm not giving up on my opportunities or goal to be a head coach one day," Casey said. "I want to be a head coach and know that I will be a head coach, but it has to be the right time, the right situation for both sides.

"I appreciate their interest in me."

Terry Stotts, Atlanta's interim head coach, and Terry Porter, a Sacramento assistant, are considered frontrunners for the job. Marc Iavaroni, a Phoenix assistant, is also thought to be a strong candidate.