Wizards fire Eddie Jordan
Sports Network | November 24, 2008
Washington, DC (Sports Network) - The Washington Wizards have fired head coach Eddie Jordan and replaced him on an interim basis with Ed Tapscott.
Jordan was informed of the decision Monday morning with the club off to a dismal 1-10 start.
"Our 1-10 record is not acceptable and, more importantly, the way we have lost those games is not acceptable," said Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld in a statement Monday. "We felt as an organization that it was time to make a change and we're looking forward to the team moving in a positive direction."
Only Oklahoma City, at 1-13, has started worse than Washington and the Thunder also fired their head coach on Saturday when P.J. Carlesimo was relieved of his duties.
Jordan was in his sixth season with Wizards and has posted a record of 197-224. He guided the club to the playoffs each of the past four seasons -- the longest consecutive stretch for the franchise since a five-year run from the 1983-84 through 1987-88.
Despite the success, the Wizards have just one playoff series victory in the past four seasons and none in the last three.
"This was an extremely difficult decision because I'm personally very fond of Eddie," said Wizards chairman Abe Pollin. "He helped bring our franchise back to the playoffs and became engrained in the Washington, DC community. I will forever be grateful for his dedication and hard work. However, sometimes circumstances force changes. Our team is not performing to my expectations and I felt it was time to make a change. We wish Eddie and his family all the best."
Injuries have played a factor in Washington's slow start this season, as star guard Gilbert Arenas is sidelined after knee surgery and center Brendan Hayward is also out following wrist surgery.
Tapscott has been the club's director of player development. In that role, he assisted the coaching staff in game preparation and player development.
With over 25 years of experience in basketball, including front office leadership roles with the New York Knicks and Charlotte Bobcats, Tapscott has been a head coach on the collegiate level. He had a nine-year run (1982-1990) as head coach of American University, guiding the team to more wins than any other coach in school history.
Assistant coaches Phil Hubbard, Randy Ayers, Wes Unseld Jr. and Dave Hopla will remain with the team, while associate head coach Mike OKoren was also relieved of his duties Monday.
The Wizards will next take the floor on Tuesday when Golden State visits the Verizon Center.
