Thunder GM still looking to find coach

The first domino fell on Saturday, but the chain reaction has turned into a delayed reaction.

The Florida Panthers in a roundabout way helped clarify the Las Vegas Thunder's head coaching scenario. The Panthers named Terry Murray, not the Utah Grizzlies' Butch Goring, their new bench boss.

With Goring still in Utah -- for now, at least -- the Thunder's top candidate still is in the market for a job. Bob Bourne, Goring's assistant, was said to have wanted the Grizzlies post if it became vacated.

Despite the potentially catalystic development, Thunder general manager Bob Strumm has not discussed the situation with Bourne since last Wednesday, when they decided to retreat from negotiations.

"I haven't talked to (Bourne) about how much of a factor (Goring's absence) would play in the whole thing," Strumm said. "But, obviously, Butch didn't get that job. So the Utah job still isn't open."

During the cooling-off period, Strumm interviewed a few more candidates, but declined to disclose how they rated. When asked if Bourne remains the top priority, Strumm replied "Absolutely."

But Strumm also noted he is prepared in case Bourne goes elsewhere. He has interviewed 10 candidates.

"We're hoping that in the next couple of days we might have some news," he said. "I plan on talking to Bobby (today). I want to go back to him one more time before we decide."

Strumm said he has not eliminated any of his interviewees.

Among those he has discussed the opening with are Guy Charron, a former Calgary Flames assistant who has worked with the Canadian national team; Walt Kyle, a former Anaheim Mighty Ducks assistant; Steve Martinson, head coach of San Diego in the West Coast Hockey League; Chris Nilan, head coach of Chesapeake in the East Coast Hockey League; and John Perpich, an assistant with Fredericton in the American Hockey League who has been an aide with the Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals.

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