The Golden State Warriors fired head coach Mark Jackson on Tuesday, just three days after the Clippers knocked the team out of the playoffs in a first round matchup that went to seven games.
Despite rumors swirling around the league over the last several weeks that Jackson was in fact coaching for his job, this move still comes as somewhat of a surprise, as the Warriors have developed into one of the more exciting teams in the NBA under him, and even made the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since 1991-92 over the last two seasons.
This firing was obviously one brought on by personal conflicts of interest between Jackson and Warriors’ management rather than anything having to do with basketball.
General manager Bob Myers thanked Jackson “for his role in helping elevate this team into a better position than it was when arrived nearly 36 months ago” in a statement released on Tuesday, and said that the team “simply feels it’s best to move in a different direction at this time”.
“Thanks to the Warriors organization for the opportunity you gave me,” Jackson said. “Thanks to the great fans for all of your support! Thank you to my players! Who I love! We accomplished a lot together! I wish you all nothing but the best!”
Star point guard Stephen Curry, who has publicly defended his coach before, released the following statement regarding Jackson’s firing:
“Over the last three years, coach Jackson has challenged me as a player and person. His experience and guidance has helped each of us grow in this league… Can’t thank him enough for all he did for me. I wish him all the best as he transitions to the next chapter.”
Jackson’s tenure with the Warriors will be remembered as the franchise’s most successful stint in the past two decades. In just three seasons, Jackson transformed the team from perennial losers into consistent winners.
After finishing 23-43 in the labor lockout-shortened 2011-12 season, Jackson’s first as coach, the Warriors made the playoffs the following year after going 47-35. They went 51-31 this season, and were the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs before being bounced in the first round.
Among the names already being thrown into the discussion as possible candidates to replace Jackson are Steve Kerr, Stan Van Gundy, Lionel Hollins, and current Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg.
Meanwhile, Jackson has been repeatedly linked to the Los Angeles Lakers’ open head coaching position, left vacant after Mike D’Antoni’s resignation last week.
For more on sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @tpricelwos. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and “liking” our Facebook page.
