Los Angeles - Byron Scott is out as New Orleans Hornets head coach after the team announced his firing on Thursday. He has been replaced by team general manager Jeff Bower. "I want to thank Byron for the hard work he has put in during his time with the Hornets," team owner George Shinn said in a statement on the team's website.
"I have hired Jeff Bower to take over the coaching reins. He knows this team better than anyone, has the respect of the players and, in basketball circles, is regarded as one of the best basketball minds in the business. This is our best opportunity to reach our goals this season."
Though Bower has worn many hats since joining the Hornets in 1995, it will be his first experience as a head coach.
"As we look at our long-term coaching plans, it's not about who the head coach is. It's about the role of the head coach to get the team to perform to their capabilities and reaching our potential this season," Bower said.
During his six seasons with New Orleans, Scott compiled a 203-216 record. He guided the Hornets to the South-West Division crown with a franchise-best record of 56-26 in 2007-08. Last year, they made the playoffs with a 49-33 mark but were eliminated by Denver in the first round.
Scott was given his pink slip after the Hornets stumbled out of the gate with a 3-6 record, including blowouts to the LA Lakers and Phoenix Suns in two of the Hornets' last three games.
In a related move, Tim Floyd, who guided the Hornets to a 41-41 record during the 2003-04 season, has been hired as the top assistant coach.
