Sixers pick up Doug Collins contract option

The Philadelphia 76ers picked up head coach Doug Collins's club option on Tuesday, extending his contract through the 2013-14 season.

Collins is entering his third season with the Sixers, compiling a 76-72 record over the first two seasons. The 76ers made the playoffs in both seasons under Collins. Last season, Philadelphia advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since the 2002-03 season.

The 76ers have morphed into one of the best defensive teams in the league under Collins. They were third in the NBA last season, allowing 89.4 points per game. That is more than a 12-point improvement from the 101.6 points per game they allowed in the season before Collins took over.

The 61-year old Collins is entering his 11th season as an NBA head coach. He has a career record of 408-359 with a 23-33 playoff record. If he coaches through his option season, it will be his longest coaching tenure with one team.