In a move rumored earlier this week after a frustrating season, the Sacramento Kings announced on Thursday that they have fired head coach George Karl. The team's general manager Vlade Divac said he felt "it was necessary to move forward with a new voice from the head coaching position."
Divac did make the final decision on relieving Karl of his duties after trying to do the same last February. The reason for wanting the coach out is reportedly financial concerns.
The growing frustration from the struggling team was shown in the public rivalry between Karl and center DeMarcus Cousins. They have had numerous confrontations during games on the sidelines, which resulted in the star big man getting benched. Karl also nearly lost his job last November over the issues.
Karl did thank the Kings' organization in his final statement, saying he is "proud of our work." His stint in Sacramento ended with a 33-49 record this past season, including an embarrassing 116-81 blowout at the hands of the Rockets in the season finale.
The likes of Kevin McHale, Mark Jackson, Vinny Del Negro, and Nate McMillan have been listed as potential candidates as the new head man in Sacramento. Since the 2006-07 season, the Kings have the most coaches in the NBA with eight, and they will now add to that number heading into next season.
Divac did make the final decision on relieving Karl of his duties after trying to do the same last February. The reason for wanting the coach out is reportedly financial concerns.
The growing frustration from the struggling team was shown in the public rivalry between Karl and center DeMarcus Cousins. They have had numerous confrontations during games on the sidelines, which resulted in the star big man getting benched. Karl also nearly lost his job last November over the issues.
Karl did thank the Kings' organization in his final statement, saying he is "proud of our work." His stint in Sacramento ended with a 33-49 record this past season, including an embarrassing 116-81 blowout at the hands of the Rockets in the season finale.
The likes of Kevin McHale, Mark Jackson, Vinny Del Negro, and Nate McMillan have been listed as potential candidates as the new head man in Sacramento. Since the 2006-07 season, the Kings have the most coaches in the NBA with eight, and they will now add to that number heading into next season.
