The New Orleans Pelicans have fired head coach Monty Williams despite being guided to the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2011.
"Making a decision like this is never easy and is never done hastily, especially when you are dealing with a person of Monty Williams' character," Executive Vice President Mickey Loomis said in a release on Tuesday.
"We thanked Monty for the tremendous work and commitment he made to our organisation and the development of our young players, specifically Anthony Davis.
"While we continue to work towards improving our roster, we decided that now was the time to make this decision."
In his five seasons, Williams compiled a 173-221 overall record with the Pelicans and two post-season appearances.
New Orleans finished 45-37 this season - an 11-game improvement over last season - and the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs, before losing in the first round to Golden State in four games.
"I have the utmost respect for Monty Williams, not only as a coach and a person. He represented our team, our organisation and our city with tremendous class of dignity," Pelicans owner Tom Benson said in a statement.
The dismissal comes just two weeks after Benson sent a letter to congratulate Williams and his staff for the team's winning season and playoff appearance.
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