Slumping Nets fire coach Avery Johnson

(Reuters) – The Brooklyn Nets have fired coach Avery Johnson after a promising season went amiss, the team said yesterday.

The firing came after the National Basketball Association team dropped to 14-14 for the season, losing the last two games and 10 of their past 13.

The Nets had opened their first season in Brooklyn with a sparking 11-4 start before the tailspin. They previously played in New Jersey.

Johnson was named head coach of the Nets in June 2010. In two-plus seasons, he compiled a record of 60-116.

“The Nets ownership would like to express thanks to Avery for his efforts and to wish him every success in the future,” Nets principal owner Mikhail Prokhorov said in a statement.
A search for a new coach will begin immediately, the Nets said.