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June 16 (UPI) -- The New Orleans Pelicans have fired head coach Stan Van Gundy after just one season. Under Van Gundy, the Pelicans finished with a disappointing 31-41 record this past season and failed to qualify for the NBA Play-In Tournament.
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"On behalf of Mrs. Gayle Benson and the Pelicans organization, I would like to thank Stan for the integrity and professionalism that he demonstrated during his time in New Orleans, as well as the commitment and work ethic he brought to our team," Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said in a statement.
"This was a difficult decision as I have tremendous respect for Stan both personally and professionally, but we agreed it is in the best interest of our team to move forward in a different direction. We wish Stan, Kim and their family all the best in the future."
While talking with reporters Wednesday afternoon, Griffin said he and Van Gundy "agonized" over making the decision.
Griffin and Van Gundy were engaged in talks for weeks about the future of the organization, according to ESPN. Griffin said he spoke with Van Gundy immediately after the season concluded, but the pair took some time before reaching the decision.
"This decision was not wrought out of our previous results," Griffin said. "... This was wrought in our philosophical difference in how we're going to reach the next step in our development."
The 61-year-old Van Gundy has a career head-coaching record of 554-425 over 13 seasons between the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and Pelicans.
The Pelicans are expected to stage interviews with multiple candidates from last year's coaching search, according to ESPN, including assistant coaches Jason Kidd (Los Angeles Lakers), Charles Lee (Milwaukee Bucks), Jacque Vaughn (Brooklyn Nets) and Ime Udoka (Nets).
There are now six head-coaching vacancies in the NBA: Boston; Indiana; New Orleans; Orlando; Portland and Washington.
