Still awaiting word from Geoff Petrie. Everyone interested in the Kings' coaching search is still awaiting word from Geoff Petrie. Those poor candidates pining for the job are still awaiting word from Geoff Petrie.

What's the gestation period for hiring coaches, anyway?

Escrows in this crippled economy close faster. Why the delay?

We know the names remain the same – Kurt Rambis, Paul Westphal and Tom Thibodeau. And since none of the three reside among the A-list of NBA coaching stars, and all three offer distinctly different personalities and approaches, the decision should be relatively simple.

Who is the best teacher?

Who can implement a defensive structure?

Who owns the most impressive pedigree?

In words whispered behind the closed doors at Arco, Rambis is the choice of Petrie and almost everyone else within the organization, and is highly regarded by the Maloofs. A popular player during his days in Sacramento, he has interviewed on three previous occasions. During his most recent conversation, he completely wowed the brothers.

But here's the problem. Refer to the above reference to escrow and economy. Follow the money trail.

Westphal, whose portfolio offers a study in colorful contrast, with his vivid success with the Phoenix Suns tempered by subsequent underwhelming tenures with the Seattle SuperSonics and Pepperdine Waves, is willing to work for two years at $1.5 million per season – lower than the initial number ($1.5 to $2 million) tossed around in the Kings' front office.

Thibodeau, for years regarded as one of the league's brightest defensive minds, is thought by many better suited as a career assistant. He also would seem more amenable to a lower salary for his first NBA head-coaching opportunity.

Rambis is in a very different place. He's in L.A., with the Lakers, seated securely alongside Phil Jackson, and considered a viable choice as the organization's next head coach. Why leave all that to coach the league's worst team with only two years' security?

NBA coaching history is brutally consistent. Those hired by lottery teams invariably are fired after one or two seasons, with their replacements left to reap the benefits.

"We certainly have boundaries we have to stay within," Petrie said after Thursday's predraft workouts. "But there's another side to that. One of the best pieces of advice I got when I was very young was, 'If you want a job, then do what you have to do to get a job.' A lot of things flow from that. If you're truly in love with the opportunity, that has to be a big factor."

True, but if presented a choice between marrying rich and marrying poor, who opts for the chump?

Eddie Jordan's offer from the Philadelphia 76ers (two years guaranteed at $5 million, with a club option for a third year at $3.1 million) essentially precluded a return to his old club.

Common sense suggests that if the Maloofs are determined to hire Rambis, one of two things seemingly has to happen: Either Rambis gets itchy for his own gig, or the Kings broaden their parameters, at least adding to the number of guaranteed years.

And it's not like anyone is arguing for the Maloofs to break the bank. People get it. The economy stinks. Justifying the exorbitant coaching salaries of the past decade would be absolutely ludicrous. It also is worth noting that the annual coaching circus never materialized, with owners in Toronto, New Jersey, Oklahoma City, Atlanta and New Orleans retaining their coaches, not necessarily out of appreciation for a job well done, but to ease the burden on the bottom line.

Pressed about a time frame for when all this may end, Petrie indicated the conversation will continue into next week, which conveniently allows for a period to re-interview Thibodeau and/or Westphal – whom Petrie barely knows – while leaving Rambis alone to help his pal Jackson try to sneak that 10th NBA championship past the late Red Auerbach. The stall tactic is a real possibility here, assuming the Maloofs are at all flexible.

But soon, please. Name the guy who transforms the Kings or goes job hunting after two futile seasons.

Call The Bee's Ailene Voisin, (916) 321-1208.