Detroit Pistons Fire Coach Flip Saunders

Flip Saunders was fired as Detroit Pistons coach Tuesday, just four days after his team was eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars said it’s “time for a new voice to lead our team.” Saunders had just one year left on a four-year deal he signed in 2005. The decision comes three years after Saunders took over for Larry Brown, who led the Pistons to two straight NBA Finals.

“Decisions like this are difficult to make, especially with the success we have had throughout the last three regular seasons,” Dumars said in a statement. “However, at this time, I feel it is necessary to make a change.”

Assistant coach Michael Curry could be the leading candidate to replace Saunders. Other possible candidates include Detroit assistant coach Terry Porter and former Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson.