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Bill Laimbeer, one of the original Detroit Pistons "Bad Boys," was fired as head coach and general manager of the WNBA New York Liberty basketball team after two seasons.
His record was 26-42 for the two years.
The team, which is owned by the New York Knicks, issued a statement Tuesday:
The New York Liberty announced today that the franchise has not renewed the contract of Bill Laimbeer, the team's general manager and head coach.
“We thank Bill for his hard work and contributions to the New York Liberty,” said Allan Houston, the New York Knicks’ assistant general manager, who also oversees Liberty basketball operations. “The Liberty are a proud original member of the WNBA, with a loyal and passionate fan base. We will begin our search immediately to secure a general manager and coach to help us move forward and reach our ultimate goal of a WNBA Championship.”
Laimbeer, 57, became the head coach of the WNBA Detroit Shock in 2002, and led the team to three championships.
He later went on to become an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves. His ambition was to become a head coach, but to date, that has never happened.
In 2012, he took over as head coach of the New York Liberty.
He played 14 years in the NBA, 12 of which were on the Pistons where he helped win two Championship titles.
He wasn't known as the nicest guy on the court, which led some loyal Pistons fans to say "He's an asshole, but he's our asshole."
Boston Celtic great Larry Bird referred to Laimbeer as a "dirty player" and said he would try to hurt players on the court.
