The Detroit Pistons announced today that Maurice Cheeks has been relieved of his head coaching duties. The Pistons recorded a 21-29 record over Cheeks’ first 50 games.
“This was a difficult decision for the organization to make but we needed to make a change,” said President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars. “We have great respect for Maurice and appreciate his hard work.”
“Our record does not reflect our talent and we simply need a change,” said Pistons owner Tom Gores.
Assistant coach John Loyer will be formally named interim coach before Detroit's home game Monday, but NBA coaching sources told ESPN.com's Marc Stein that former Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins has emerged as one of the primary contenders for the job.