NBA's Grizzlies fire head coach

MEMPHIS, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The NBA's Memphis Grizzlies confirmed the firing of Coach Marc Iavaroni Friday in the midst of a seven-game losing streak.

Iavaroni became the Grizzlies' coach in May 2007 after five seasons as an assistant with Phoenix, but had no prior experience as a head coach.

He is the seventh NBA coach fired since the 2008-09 season started in October.

His overall record was just 33-90, including 11-30 this season.

"We wish Marc all the best in his future endeavors," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said. "He gave his all to the organization while serving as head coach and represented the Grizzlies with class and a high level of professionalism."

Assistant Johnny Davis begins an interim tenure Friday night, when the Grizzlies face New York.

Davis is in his second year with the Grizzlies, and previously coached Philadelphia and Orlando.

ESPN reported former Dallas coach Avery Johnson rejected a five-year offer to be Memphis' head coach.