Kings fire coach George Karl after 1 full season

FILE – In this Dec. 21, 2015 file photo, Sacramento Kings coach George Karl pauses during a timeout during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, in Washington. AP File photo

SACRAMENTO, California—The Sacramento Kings have fired coach George Karl after his first full season with the team, setting the stage for the team to hire its ninth coach since last making the playoffs in 2006.

General manager Vlade Divac announced the move Thursday, a day after the Kings wrapped up another disappointing season with a 33-49 record.

Karl was given a four-year contract when he was hired in February 2015 to replace Tyrone Corbin but never worked out and finished with a 44-68 mark.

Karl was unable to improve the team’s defense, had frequent run-ins with star center DeMarcus Cousins and faced questions about his status as far back as November.