CHARLOTTE (AP) -- Charlotte Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins says Hall of Fame coach Jerry Sloan notified the team he has pulled out of the running for the head coaching position.

Higgins wasn't necessarily surprised, saying Friday, "It's all part of the process and I'm sure it's happened before.''

Charlotte settled this week on three finalists for the job -- Sloan, Indiana Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw and Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Quin Snyder. Higgins says both Shaw and Snyder had second interviews this week that included team owner Michael Jordan and the meetings went well, calling them "impressive candidates.''

However, Higgins says neither has been offered the position.

SI.com first reported Thursday night that Sloan had taken himself out of the running for the job.

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