Smart out as Golden State coach

OAKLAND, Calif., April 27 (UPI) -- Keith Smart, who has been on the Golden State staff for eight years, won't return next season as coach of the Warriors, the NBA team said Wednesday.

Smart, 46, took over the team in September after Don Nelson resigned. The Warriors finished 36-46 this season and 12th in the Western Conference, 14 games out of a playoff position.

"I think Keith did an admirable job this season and he should be commended for many of the positive things that transpired both on and off the floor," said Warriors owner Joe Lacob. "The team showed improvement and their effort was never in question. However, we've elected to pursue a new path and we wish Keith the very best. He's a quality person and we thank him for the time he invested with our organization."

Smart had been an assistant at Golden State for seven seasons before replacing Nelson. His previous head coaching experience was an interim position at Cleveland where the team went 9-31 under him in 2002-03.