Brooklyn Nets fire coach Avery Johnson
Avery Johnson is no longer needed as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, per an announcement by general manager Billy King Thursday. According to ESPN, P.J. Carlesimo has been named interim coach in Johnson’s absence.
“The Nets ownership would like to express thanks to Avery for his efforts and to wish him every success in the future,” principal owner Mikhail Prokhorov said.
The coaching change comes after a promising start led to a disappointing December. Johnson was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for October and November following an 11-4 start for the team, but the Nets have gone 3-10 in their last 13 games in December. The slump this month has led them to fall to a .500 record at 14-14.
That .500 record is good for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East, but continued loss could change that.
In the final year of his contract, Johnson was named coach of the Nets on June 15, 2010. His overall record in over two seasons in Brooklyn is 60-116. Brooklyn lost Wednesday night to the Bucks, 108-93, and will take the court Friday against the Bobcats with their new coach on the sideline.
