Cavs Coaching Rumors: 3 Candidates To Replace David Blatt Mid-Season

The Cleveland Cavaliers have gotten off to a tumultuous start to the season, and that has brought about major questions about first-year head coach David Blatt's job security.

Cleveland's front office reportedly has major doubts about Blatt's ability to reach his players, and they won't hesitate to make a change as soon as possible if they don't think Blatt can meet their championship expectations. If Blatt is fired mid-season, who could replace him on the sideline?

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Larry Drew, Cleveland Cavaliers Assistant Coach

Drew was the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2010-2013, guiding the team to the playoffs in each of his four seasons. However, he was fired for his inability to guide the Hawks past the second round of the playoffs. He struggled as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks last year, and is now the lead assistant under Blatt. Cleveland's front office loves Drew's playoff experience, and have been relying on him to pass some of his knowledge along to the members of the coaching staff. This would certainly be the easiest and smoothest transition with Drew already in town.

George Karl, former NBA head coach

Karl has been out of the league since winning NBA Coach of the Year during the 2012-13 season with the Denver Nuggets, but was fired following a disappointing first round exit that year. He was strongly considered to take over in Sacramento after the Kings fired head coach Mike Malone earlier this season, but was ultimately passed up for Ty Corbin.

At age 63, Karl doesn't have many years on the sideline left, but hasn't won a championship during his 25 years as a head coach in the league. That's something he really wants to accomplish, and the Cavs present the best opportunity out there. Most importantly for Cleveland, he would absolutely command respect from everyone in the locker room.

Vinny Del Negro, former NBA head coach

Del Negro has also been out of coaching since the 2012-13 season, when he was leading the Los Angeles Clippers. He coached the Chicago Bulls from 2008-10 and the Clippers from 2010-13, and only missed the postseason once during his coaching career. Del Negro helped to turn Los Angeles into a playoff team, and has the kind of extended playoff experience the Cavs would be looking for if Blatt is let go.

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