DENVER -- Doug Moe, whose 10 years with the Denver Nuggets marked the longest tenure among active NBA coaches, Thursday was fired as head coach.
The decision came Wednesday night at a meeting between Moe and several members of the Nuggets' front office staff.
It was agreed that it would be in the team's best interests for Moe to leave, said Nuggets General Manager Bernie Bickerstaff.
'Last evening we sat down and discussed the pros and cons of the Denver Nuggets, and we all came to the conclusion that this was the best for all parties involved,' Bickerstaff said. There was no immediate word from the team on who Moe's successor would be but former Atlanta Hawks Coach Mike Fratello's name has surfaced. Fratello this past summer signed to be part of NBC's inaugural NBA coverage team.
'We fully expect Mike Fratello to be part of our NBA telecasts this year,' NBC spokesman Ed Markey said.
Moe, who has been the Nuggets' head coach since the 1980-81 season, produced two division winners, and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1988. He leaves with an overall coaching record of 609-492.
'I feel good about it,' Moe said. 'I've been here for 10years. For me it's been a great run, a great relationship. And I look forward to the future.'
Moe said he had no immediate plans to take another coaching job, but would consider an offer if one is forthcoming.
'My tenure with Doug Moe has been very, very short,' said Bickerstaff, who took over the team's front office in July. 'My respect for him has not wavered at all, in fact it's been enhanced.'
