Wizards say Randy Wittman will not return as coach

Washington Wizards head coach Randy Wittman gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, March 27, 2016, in Los Angeles. AP

WASHINGTON—The Washington Wizards say they will not pick up their option on Randy Wittman’s contract and he is out as their coach after failing to make the playoffs this season.

The team announced the move Thursday.

Wittman was told he would not be back after the team’s final game, a 109-98 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.

Washington finished 41-41 and 10th in the Eastern Conference. Wittman had coached the team to the second round of the playoffs each of the previous two seasons.

Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld says “the inconsistency of the team’s performance and effort” is why “a coaching change was needed.”