The NBA can be a cruel world for head coaches.
That point was proven Tuesday when the Golden State Warriors relieved head coach Mark Jackson of his duties just two days after his team was bounced by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
“Mark Jackson has had a big impact on the improvement of our team and the success that we’ve had over the last couple of years,” Warriors owner & CEO Joe Lacob said in a statement. “Nonetheless, we must make some difficult decisions in our day-to-day operations of the club and this would certainly qualify as one of those examples.
“We wish Mark the best of luck in his future endeavors and thank him for his contributions over the last three years.”
Jackson took over a struggling Warriors squad in June 2011 and guided the team to two straight playoff appearances after a lockout-shortened 2011-12 season. Before entering the coaching ranks, Jackson compiled an impressive 17-year career as an NBA guard and also spent time as a NBA broadcaster for ESPN.
Jackson’s Warriors entered the 2014 NBA playoffs with plenty of promise as the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, battling a star-studded and motivated Los Angeles Clippers to a decisive Game 7. Their efforts finally fell short, however, in a 126-121 Game 7 loss at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Jackson leaves the Bay Area with a 121-109 record and two playoff appearances in three seasons.
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