George Karl Fired as Sacramento Kings Head Coach

Sacramento Kings head coach George Karl has been on the hot seat for nearly the entire season, and it ultimately cost him his job. 

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Karl Fired by Kings

Thursday, April 14

The Kings announced Karl would not return next season on Thursday: 

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The Sacramento Kings announced today that George Karl will not be retained as head coach for the 2016-17 season, according to Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Vlade Divac.

“After evaluating the team’s performance this season, I determined it was necessary to move forward with a new voice from the head coaching position,” said Divac. “I have a great deal of respect and admiration for George and his accomplishments throughout his nearly 30 years in the NBA,” said Divac. “On behalf of everyone in the Kings organization, I thank him for the contributions made during his time in Sacramento and wish him good fortune in the future.”

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Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee as well as ESPN.com reported Wednesday Karl was expected to be fired.

As Jones reported, "The issues between Karl and the players nearly led to the coach's firing in February, and this time, financial reasons or a chat with general manager Vlade Divac won't save his job after Wednesday's game."

ESPN's Marc Stein reported the Kings have interest in Kevin McHale, Mark Jackson and Vinny Del Negro. Stein added the team also likes Tom Thibodeau and Scott Brooks but realizes there will be tougher competition for those two.

And according to ESPN's report, "Karl also nearly lost his job in November after a public dispute with center DeMarcus Cousins."

The Kings are 33-48 this season, the most wins they've had since the 2007-08 season, but a roster that includes superstar DeMarcus Cousins along with Rajon Rondo, Rudy Gay, Darren Collison, Marco Belinelli, Ben McLemore and Willie Cauley-Stein was expected to compete for a playoff berth this season.

Karl apparently had his struggles getting through to both the front office and the players this season, as Jones reported:

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In some ways, a dismissal might be a relief to Karl, as communication between the coach and the front office has not been ideal. Divac fired one of Karl’s assistants, Vance Walberg, in February, and Divac stopped Karl from suspending Cousins in November after a locker room tirade.

Players were frustrated with Karl most of the season, and it showed on the court. They distrusted the coach’s defensive schemes and needed more direction on offense. Players also privately complained that Karl didn’t hold his stars accountable.

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Karl has had a long, successful coaching career, going 1,175-823 in stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Seattle Supersonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets and the Kings. He's reached the postseason 22 times and led the 1995-96 Supersonics to the NBA finals. 

But he simply never jelled with Sacramento's franchise, making a change necessary for both the coach and the organization. 

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