Winning cures all. Then again, maybe it doesn’t.
After posting their winningest season since 2005-06, the Sacramento Kings are cleaning house.
Head coach Dave Joerger was relieved of his duties after three years on the job, the Kings announced Thursday morning.
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“After evaluating the season, I determined that we need to move in a different direction in order to take us to the next level,” Kings general manager Vlade Divac said in a team-issued statement. “On behalf of the entire Kings organization, I want to thank Dave for his contributions to our team and I wish him all the best.”
The veteran coach posted a 39-43 record in his final year at the helm of the Kings and a 98-143 record overall.
While the Kings surprised many around the NBA with their strong play, Joerger’s squad finished the year on a 9-17 tailspin, missing the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season.
In addition to Joerger, NBC Sports California confirmed that assistant GM Brandon Williams also has been relieved of his duties.
NBA
A rift between Joerger and Williams spilled out into the media early in the season and never fully healed. The pair never truly patched things up, leading to tension behind the scenes.
[RELATED: Kings finish once-promising season on perhaps lowest note]
The early list of replacements for Joerger is growing by the minute. Luke Walton, who still is employed by the Los Angeles Lakers, is on a short list, as is Philadelphia 76ers assistant Monty Williams and longtime San Antonio Spurs assistant Ettore Messina.
Expect Divac, who was handed a long-term contract extension early Thursday, to hold an exhaustive search for a new coach, beginning immediately.