Cavs' Scott fired, Sixers' Collins steps down
LOS ANGELES (AFP) –
Several NBA coaches will be looking for new jobs during the off season after the Cleveland Cavaliers fired Byron Scott and the Detroit Pistons sacked their head coach Lawrence Frank on Thursday.
Doug Collins also resigned from his position as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Scott was sacked after three seasons in which he guided Cleveland to a record of 64-166 record.
“I have tremendous respect for Byron professionally and a great deal of admiration for him personally,” said Cavs general manager Chris Grant.
“At the same time, it is critical for where we are as a team to ensure that we capitalize on every opportunity for development and success and we have fallen short of that on the court.”
Scott took over in July 2010, just before LeBron James decided to leave the Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat as a free agent.
The Cavaliers were 24-58 this season, ending the 2012-13 season with a six-game losing streak.
Detroit fired Frank Thursday after just two seasons. Frank finished with an overall record of 54-94 as the Pistons went 29-53 this past season, which ended on Wednesday.
“We thank Lawrence for his hard work and dedication, but we feel it is in the best interest of the franchise to make a change,” Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said.
The Pistons haven’t made the playoffs in five seasons.
Philadelphia owner Josh Harris said Thursday that Collins made the decision not to return for a fourth season.
“He is not being pushed out,” Harris insisted.
Collins had one year remaining on a four-year deal, but will remain with the organization in an advisory position.
Philadelphia were 34-48 this season, ending a disappointing season with a 105-95 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
Collins guided the 76ers to a 110-120 record in three seasons, but said Thursday he had made the decision to step aside three months ago.