So much for any talk of Mario Elie being Golden State’s Avery Johnson. From the Contra Costa Times’ Marcus Thompson II.
Warriors assistant coach Mario Elie (above) will not be back on the bench for the upcoming season, according to a team source.
Elie, when reached by phone Thursday, declined to elaborate on his situation. The team, however, indicated that the coaching staff has not been finalized.
Elie has one year remaining on his three-year contract. If he were to get an offer from another team, he would need permission from the Warriors to release him from his contract. If another coaching opportunity does not come along, Elie’s role with the team could change until his contract expires.
The Warriors announced Thursday they hired another assistant coach. New head coach Don Nelson’s second assistant coach hire is Stephen Silas, son of former player and coach Paul Silas. It is not uncommon for new coaches to bring in their own assistant coaches. The Warriors now have five assistants on staff: Elie, Silas, recently hired Larry Riley, Keith Smart and Russell Turner.