The New York Knicks have fired Mike Woodson after falling from division champions to out of the playoffs in one season.

New team president Phil Jackson made the decision Monday, saying in a statement "the time has come for change throughout the franchise." This is the first big move for Jackson since his appointment in March.

The dismissal comes shortly after the Knicks completed a 37-45 season that began with them believing they were a serious contender.

Instead, they started poorly, making Woodson's job security practically a season-long distraction. A late surge wasn't good enough for a postseason spot or another year for Woodson.

Jackson has won an NBA-record 11 championships as a coach. He has repeatedly said he's not interested in returning to the bench, so he will have to hire someone before he turns his attention to the roster.

 

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