Pistons name John Kuester head coach

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 9 (UPI) -- John Kuester was hired Thursday to be the next head coach of the NBA's Detroit Pistons, succeeding the fired Michael Curry.

Kuester, 54, signed a multiyear contract, but no terms were disclosed.

He was an assistant with the Pistons in 2004, helping guide them to the NBA Finals, and also has worked for five other NBA teams since 1995, most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2007-2009).

"We are pleased to name John Kuester as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons," Detroit president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said. "John brings a wealth of NBA knowledge as a longtime assistant coach. I feel he has the teaching ability to allow our younger players to grow and develop."

The UNC product was head coach at George Washington University from 1985-1990.

Curry was fired last week after just one season which ended when Detroit was swept in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs by the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.