Philadelphia 76ers interim coach Tony DiLeo has withdrawn his name from consideration for the permanent coaching job.

Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski said DiLeo decided yesterday to return to his old job in the front office, citing family reasons. DiLeo has two sons — T.J., a freshman who plays for Temple's basketball team, and Max, a sophomore in high school.

"A coaching job in the NBA is 24-7," Stefanski said. "He felt it was a good move on his part."

LAKERS' ODOM MIGHT REST BRUISED BACK

Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom is listed as questionable for tonight's Western Conference semifinals Game 5 against the Houston Rockets after an MRI and CT scan showed he has a bruised lower back.

Odom left Sunday's 99-87 loss with back spasms in the third quarter. He was hurt when he drove the lane and collided with Shane Battier, landing hard on the court.

WARRIORS' MULLIN OUT AS EXECUTIVE VP

The Golden State Warriors finally cut ties with top basketball executive Chris Mullin yesterday, nearly a year after he apparently lost his authority to run the troubled franchise.

Mullin, the Warriors' executive vice president of basketball operations, will be replaced by Larry Riley, an assistant to coach Don Nelson.

Riley, an assistant general manager since last November, was promoted yesterday to general manager in a statement by team president Robert Rowell.