Report: Pistons close to hiring Bower as GM

New Detroit Pistons coach and president Stan Van Gundy is close to hiring Marist coach Jeff Bower as general manager, according to Yahoo Sports.

Bower also has longtime experience in the NBA. In 15 years with the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets, Bower served in a variety of capacities including general manager, coach and scout.

Bower spent last season at Marist, finishing 12-19.

Working under Van Gundy, Bower will take over the management side of the team, which will likely include leading negotiations with free agents and rookies and overseeing the scouting department, among other duties.

Bower worked in the Hornets’ front office until he took over as interim coach in 2009 when Byron Scott was fired. Bower left the team after the 2008-09 season.

Van Gundy also reportedly considered former NBA president of basketball operations Stu Jackson and former Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith.