The Philadelphia 76ers signed Jim Lynam to...

The Philadelphia 76ers signed Jim Lynam to a 3-year contract as coach, and owner Harold Katz said he expects a more aggressive club next season.

Katz said he hoped that signing Lynam, the former Clipper coach, would build confidence among the players as the club tries to rebuild from a 36-46 season that ended with the team missing the National Basketball Assn. playoffs for the first time in 13 years.

Lynam stepped in as coach when the 76ers fired Matt Guokas at the All-Star break and led the team to a 16-23 record in the last part of the season.

Lynam, 46, joined the 76ers as assistant coach June 17, 1985, after Guokas had been appointed head coach. He previously had served two years as Jack Ramsay’s assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers and two years as head coach of the San Diego-Los Angeles Clippers.