Ballerific Sports: New York Knicks Fire Head Coach Derek Fisher

New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher was given his walking papers on Monday. Following the team’s fifth straight game loss, it was announced that Fisher has been fired by the New York Knicks.

Fisher, who had no previous head-coaching experience, was hired by Phil Jackson to rectify the struggling Knicks in 2014. “This is a very talented team with strong character and I am confident they will succeed,” said Fisher. “Obviously, I’m disappointed, but have learned an immense amount from this experience and hope to grow from it.”  He also thanked Phil Jackson, Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan and the players and staff.

“It’s a lot easier to fire a coach than 15 players,” said Phil Jackson in a statement. “Unfortunately, it’s not always the coach.”

For now veteran assistant coach, Kurt Rambis, will serve as interim head coach while the Knicks look for a new one.

Fisher was guaranteed $17 million on his four-year deal and is owed the remainder balance for this year, plus $8.5 million over the next two years.

Source: ESPN