BROOKLYN NETS FIRE HEAD COACH AVERY JOHNSON AFTER 14-14 RECORD TO START THE SEASON

AVERY JOHNSON(R) BEING CALLED FOR A TECHNICAL BY NBA REF

The Brooklyn Nets have relieved Avery Johnson of his coaching duties, general manager Billy King announced Thursday.

Johnson, who was in the final year of his contract, was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for October and November following an 11-4 start. But the Nets have won just three of their last 13 games in December, prompting the team to go in another direction.

The Nets, at 14-14, currently hold the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.


"The Nets ownership would like to express thanks to Avery for his efforts and to wish him every success in the future," principal owner Mikhail Prokhorov said.

Johnson was named coach of the Nets on June 15, 2010.  In two-plus seasons with the Nets, Johnson compiled a record of 60-116.