Dismissed coach thanks Cavs GM, owner

CLEVELAND, May 26 (UPI) -- Former Cleveland Coach Mike Brown issued a statement Wednesday thanking the owner and general manager of the Cavaliers for allowing him to coach the team.

Brown was fired Monday after Cleveland suffered an unexpectedly early playoff exit for the second straight season.

The Cavaliers won 61 regular-season games in the 2008-09 campaign, but fell in the conference finals to Orlando. After winning 66 games this season, Cleveland lost in the conference semifinals to Boston.

"I have been very fortunate to lead a group of men who I respect and thoroughly enjoyed coaching on a daily basis," Brown said in a statement released by the team. "At the same time, I was able to work alongside a terrific coaching staff and with (General Manager) Danny Ferry and a basketball operations team, all of whom I have a profound respect for."

Brown was named coach of the year last season and posted a record of 272-138 in his five years with the Cavaliers.

"We partnered in creating a culture and a standard that I am, and will continue to be, very proud of," Brown added. "None of which would be possible without the dedication and support of (owner) Dan Gilbert. I am thankful for the opportunity that he gave to me and my family.

"We have a deep appreciation for Northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Cavaliers organization, and the people in this community, and have enjoyed making this our home."