Paul Theron Silas is a retired American professional basketball player and former NBA head coach. He attended Creighton University, where he set an NCAA record for the most rebounds in three seasons and averaged 20.6 rebounds per game in 1963. In the NBA, Silas collected more than 10,000 points and 10,000 rebounds during his distinguished 16 year career, played in two All-Star games, and won three championship rings. He was named to the All-NBA Defensive First Team twice, and to the All-NBA Defensive Second Team three times.
He was head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers until March 21, 2005. Prior to his job with the Cavaliers, he coached the San Diego Clippers and Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets.
He worked for ESPN, although in April 2007 he interviewed for the vacant head coaching position with the Charlotte Bobcats which was eventually filled by Sam Vincent. Upon the firing of Sam Vincent in April 2008, he stated that coaching the Bobcats would be a "dream job." On December 22, 2010, Paul Silas was named interim head coach of the Bobcats, replacing the outgoing coach Larry Brown. On February 16, 2011, the Bobcats removed his interim status. On April 30, 2012, the Bobcats announced that Silas would not return to the Bobcats for the 2012–2013 season.
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