NBA: Pelicans fire head coach Williams

In this April 25, 2015, file photo, New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and head coach Monty Williams walk off the court after losing 109-98 to the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 in the first round of the NBA basketball playoffs in New Orleans. The Pelicans fired Williams on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. AP

New Orleans–Monty Williams, who guided New Orleans to a pair of playoff appearances in five seasons as coach, was fired by the Pelicans on Tuesday.

The Pelicans were 45-37 this past NBA season and qualified for the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Western Conference on the final day of the season before being swept by top-seeded Golden State Warriors in the opening round.

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“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,” said Pelicans vice president Mickey Loomis.

“We thanked Monty for the tremendous work and commitment he made to our organization and the development of our young players.”

Williams took over as the New Orleans coach in June 2010 and finished with a 173-221 overall record.