EVER THE OPTIMISTS...

What the Clippers’ new coaches have said over the years:

Don Chaney, who took over for Jim Lynam in 1985:

“This is a big moment for me. It’s similar to winning the playoffs....

“Because I’m a former player, I know what goes through a player’s mind.”

Gene Shue, wearing a yellow shirt at his introductory news conference in 1987:

“I think the future of the Clippers now will be very, very bright. ... I always try to deal with the bright side. I’m a positive person. I think we’re in the process of building a good organization, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Don Casey, who took over when Shue was fired in January 1989:

“I’m not going to dump it all on the players, but it’s time people started to focus on the players and what they’re doing. Everyone has to understand the onus is on the players as well as the coach.”

Mike Schuler, on taking over for the fired Casey in 1990, may have been the most enthusiastic:

“This is a big day in my life. There were seven coaching jobs available in the NBA, and I got the best one, no doubt about that. There is no reason in the world why the Los Angeles Clippers cannot be a good basketball team, and we’re talking about right now, right away! I’m thrilled and ecstatic to have the opportunity to coach the Clippers. To me, it’s an up-and-coming team, one of the better teams in the ‘90s.”

Mack Calvin, who took over on an interim basis for the fired Schuler in February 1992, wanted the job too:

“I think I’m the best candidate for the job, if that’s the direction they decide to go. I’ve been in the NBA for 21 years as a player and coach, and my goal is to become a head coach in this league. The first thing we will do is have a meeting. I have some of my own thoughts of how to do things, particularly defensively.”

Larry Brown, who took over for Calvin three days after being fired himself by the San Antonio Spurs in February 1992:

“My job now is to give these guys the confidence to get them to become better players. I think that’s important, and I’ve got to start out on that on Day 1. ... I have a commitment from the Clippers. I think they made a statement, and I think that statement will be made to the players.

“I thought UCLA was a pretty big challenge. This is way up there.”

Bob Weiss, who took over in July 1993 after Brown resigned, on why he wanted the job:

“I guess because I’m an eternal optimist.”

Bill Fitch, who took over after Weiss was fired in May 1994:

“I’m always interested in a challenge. . . . That’s how I’ve made my living [rebuilding teams]. It’s hard work. You’ve got to have a plan and you’ve got to follow it. If they do that nothing’s impossible. I’ve seen too many teams rise from the ashes.”