It’s Coaching-By-Committee For Sonics

With the hiring Friday of Tim Grgurich, the Seattle SuperSonics will have one of the largest coaching staffs in the NBA next season.

Grgurich signed a one-year contract and joined Bob Weiss, Dwane Casey and Terry Stotts as one of George Karl’s four assistants.

Grgurich has been with the club on a voluntary basis since last spring, following his recovery from physical exhaustion.

After 2-1/2 seasons as Karl’s top assistant, he left the Sonics last October to become head coach at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He resigned after only 2-1/2 months, citing a case of fatigue that required hospitalization.

Although the Sonics replaced Grgurich with Weiss, team president Wally Walker made the rehiring of Grgurich a priority because of his exceptional coaching skills. An incredibly intense personality, Grgurich is adept at individual skills development and motivating players to exert themselves in practice. Consequently, several NBA teams were interested in hiring the 51-year-old.

Grgurich was unavailable for comment, but sources close to the team said they think he returned because of the close ties he has developed with players, particularly all-star point guard Gary Payton.

“Tim has been a major contributor to the success of the Sonics,” Walker said. “We’re thrilled to officially welcome him back.”