Former Sixers assistant Ruland heads back to college

Former Sixers assistant coach Jeff Ruland is returning to college basketball as the head coach of the University of the District of Columbia.

Ruland, a two-time All-Star that also played with the Sixers, previously had an eight-year stint as head coach at Iona College where he led the Gaels to three NCAA tournament appearances.

New Philly coach Eddie Jordan decided not to retain Ruland after he was hired. Jordan did keep holdovers Jim Lynam and Aaron McKie on his staff.

“The University of the District of Columbia wants to take this program to some new heights and really upgrade everything,” Ruland told The Associated Press. “I could have sat on my butt and collected another year of pay from the 76ers, but I really want to be a head coach again and this is a great opportunity for me.”