Mike Malone 'surprised' he was fired from Kings coaching job

In his first interview since being fired as head coach of the Kings last Sunday, Michael Malone shared his thoughts on his time in Sacramento, including his reaction to the decision by GM Pete D’Alessandro and owner Vivek Ranadive to relieve Malone of his duties.

“I was surprised given the progress the team was making but being around the NBA, I know the rigors of the business,” Malone told CSN California in an extensive phone conversation.

Ranadive and D’Alessandro cited “philosophical differences” as the reason for the dismissal.

Malone’s firing raised eyebrows throughout the league after the Kings’ hot start of 9-6 versus the toughest schedule in the NBA.