LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Clippers have spoken with several potential head coaching candidates in a process that likely will take at least several weeks to complete.

``We're comfortable that we have ample time to consider candidates and identify the best person for the job,'' team spokesman Joe Safety said Monday. ``We're interested in a coach who has NBA credibility and the capacity to teach, motivate and otherwise develop our players' talents.''

Alvin Gentry was fired March 3 and succeeded by assistant Dennis Johnson, who guided the Clippers to eight wins in their final 24 games.

Johnson, whose contract expired at the end of the season, is one several candidates, Safety said, adding that Johnson and general manager Elgin Baylor met at the end of the season and will get together again after Thursday night's draft lottery.

``We've had many conversations with representatives of several coaching candidates,'' Safety said. ``That process is and will continue to be ongoing. We've been diligent, we're talking to a lot of people and will continue to do so.''

Safety refused to divulge the names of potential candidates or those who have been or will be interviewed. Among the possibilities in addition to Johnson are former NBA coaches Mike Dunleavy and Mike Fratello.

Safety wouldn't say whether a new coach will be hired before the June 26 draft.

``We won't limit ourselves by imposing a timetable,'' he said.

It's possible the results of Thursday night's lottery will impact the process.