FITCH SIGNS DEAL, EYES `NEXT LEVEL'.

Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer

Four days after his 65th birthday, retirement has yet to enter Bill Fitch's mind.

The Clippers coach, heading toward his 25th season in the NBA, signed a two-year contract extension on Thursday, ensuring his position until at least the year 2000.

Fitch just completed his third season in Los Angeles and was entering the final year of a four-year deal. Fitch said he would have left after next season had the Clippers not re-signed him this summer.

``I've never coached on a one-year contract,'' said Fitch, who led the Clippers to their first playoff berth in four years this season. ``But I thought we would be able to get it done. (Clippers owner) Donald Sterling and I got it hammered out in six-eight hours.''

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Fitch's contract could have a major effect on whether five free agents return after next season. Loy Vaught, Brent Barry, Darrick Martin, Terry Dehere and Stanley Roberts will be in the final years of their contracts.

Though the Clippers may want to dump Roberts and Dehere, the remaining three could test the free-agent market. Vaught is awaiting a mammoth deal, Martin will want a heavy pay increase and Barry does not like playing for Fitch. He is not alone; several players have indicated they would rather play for another coach.

``If all 12 guys decide they hate me, then that's good because they all agree on one thing,'' Fitch said. ``I think Brent can be a special player, but a special player has to do special things to improve.''

The move could provide some much-needed stability to the organization. Fitch is the 10th L.A. Clippers coach in 13 seasons but has decided to take the team through the long haul. Fitch's history has been to revive a sagging club, then leave when things have improved.

Things have obviously improved in L.A. and no one would have blamed Fitch, who had triple-bypass surgery last August, if he retired. Fitch is not that type.

``I love the game and if I continue feeling this well, I will coach,'' said Fitch, who turned 65 on Monday. ``I think this team can do a lot of great things. I want to help them reach the next level and become an elite team.''

Fitch's signing is the first major decision in a pivotal summer for the Clippers. The club must decide whether or not to sign Malik Sealy, one of six guards on the roster. Fitch and general manager Elgin Baylor agree someone must go.

``I like Sealy, I really thought he proved he could play in this league this season,'' Fitch said. ``But we have to make a decision because we still have six guards.''

Clippers vice president Andy Roeser has expressed the team's interest in keeping free-agent forward Charles Outlaw. Ironically, Outlaw's agent is Fred Slaughter, who refused to talk directly with Roeser near the end of the Brian Williams negotiations. Williams, now with the Chicago Bulls, fired Slaughter. Roeser and Slaughter have talked about Outlaw.

``With the league rules, they say they can't talk contract until July 1,'' Slaughter said. ``I believe them and we will wait until then. But they have expressed interest verbally and in writing.''

Fitch loves Outlaw - his best defensive player - and wants him back. With the key players from last season and a decent free agent or draft pick at center, Fitch hopes to improve on the 36-win season and make a repeat playoff appearance.

``I think this team can improve,'' Fitch said. ``We've got a lot of work to do, but I'm glad to be back and here for a while.''

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Photo: (Color) FITCH

Box: L.A. CLIPPER COACHING LEGACY