The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - Randy Ayers was hardly Philadelphia's first choice to replace Larry Brown. Or second, third or even fourth.

But Ayers was promoted from assistant to head coach Friday, taking over a team that went to the NBA Finals two years ago.

The former Ohio State coach spent the last six seasons working under Brown, who resigned last month and was hired as coach of the Detroit Pistons.

"At the end of the day, it became clear that Randy is the guy," team president Billy King said.

Ayers joins a team that went 48-34 last season and won a playoff series against New Orleans before losing to Detroit in six games.

"I feel I have a good relationship with all of the players," Ayers said.

He said he has developed bonds with Allen Iverson, Eric Snow and Aaron McKie.

Brown, a Hall of Famer, took Philadelphia to the NBA Finals in his fourth season. But injuries, questionable personnel moves and supposed clashes with Iverson have hindered the team since.

On Friday, Iverson downplayed rumors of a feud.

"I just learned a lot from Coach Brown as a basketball player and (from him) helping me as a person off the court," Iverson said. "... Everybody makes a big deal about our ongoing feuds as you all would call it. That didn't come from me."

During a news conference, Ayers was asked to explain the biggest difference between Brown and him. Before he could respond, 76ers chairman Ed Snider interjected: "The biggest difference is he won't quit each year." It was a clear swipe at Brown, who threatened to quit after each season and at least once during the season.

King initially tried to get permission to speak to Portland coach Maurice Cheeks, a former 76ers star. Jeff Van Gundy and Kentucky coach Tubby Smith said they weren't interested in the job; Van Gundy later was hired by Houston.

King also interviewed former New Jersey Nets assistant Eddie Jordan, who was hired by Washington on Thursday; former Atlanta coach Mike Fratello; Hawks interim coach Terry Stotts; 76ers assistant Mike Woodson; and Miami Heat assistant Bob McAdoo.

Ayers went 124-108 as coach of the Buckeyes for eight years. He led Ohio State to four postseason appearances and was the Associated Press Coach of the Year in 1991 after the Buckeyes went 27-4 and won the first of consecutive Big Ten championships.

His stay at Ohio State ended with four consecutive losing seasons and off-court troubles. As a result of 17 rules violations, the Buckeyes were put on NCAA probation.