The Clippers apparently will not hire a new coach in time for the NBA draft for the third time in six years.

Mike Dunleavy, former Laker, Milwaukee and Portland coach, has emerged over the last week as a front-runner for the job, but despite good discussions and a face-to-face meeting with owner Donald Sterling, he's not expected to be hired before next Thursday's draft.

"Hope springs eternal," said Dunleavy's agent, Warren LeGarie, who also represented former Clipper coach Bill Fitch. "The Clippers have made a fair attempt to get something done, but at this point we're still a little bit apart."

LeGarie believes an agreement can be reached despite the Clippers' history of low coaching salaries and uncertain stance on their seven unrestricted and restricted free agents.