The awful season of the Brooklyn Nets ended head coach Lionel Hollins' stint with the team as he was fired Sunday, less than two seasons after getting hired for the position.
Following a playoff stint last season, Hollins failed to guide Brooklyn to a better record this 2015–16 season and are currently second to the last in the Eastern Conference standings at 10–28.
"After careful consideration, I've concluded that it's time for a fresh start and a new vision for the direction of the team," Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov said in a statement, according to Yahoo Sports.
"By making this decision now, it enables our organization to use the rest of the season to diligently evaluate candidates with proven track records. It's clear from our current state of affairs that we need new leadership," he added.
Prokhorov also stated they are aiming to find a coach who, together with right basketball management, will create a winning culture and identity for the franchise.
Along with Hollins being relieved, the Nets also reassigned general manager Billy King, who hired Hollins as the head coach of the Nets.
Replacing Hollins and now the interim head coach for Brooklyn is Tony Brown, who made his debut in a 106–79 loss to the San Antonio Spurs last Monday.
Before the defeat to San Antonio, Brown stated, according to ESPN, "Obviously we haven't played well. We've had some key injuries. Our goal is to up our energy level. We want to play freer. We want to have a little bit more fun."
Brown added, "But I'm not going in there and telling them, 'Hey, we need to make the playoffs.' Our job is to play a little bit harder, a little bit smarter."
The Nets are likely missing the playoffs this season, a first since the franchise transferred to Brooklyn from New Jersey.
Currently riding a five-game losing streak, up next for the Nets is a continuation of a three-game home stand, playing against the New York Knicks this Wednesday.
