Pistons coach fired

<br>(Auburn Hills-AP) -- The Detroit Pistons are looking for a new coach once again. <br><br>Coach George Irvine was fired today, a day after the team closed out a season at 18 games under the 500 mark.

Thursday, April 19th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Auburn Hills-AP) -- The Detroit Pistons are looking for a new coach once again.

Coach George Irvine was fired today, a day after the team closed out a season at 18 games under the 500 mark. Club president says this afternoon in Auburn Hills that it was a tough decision for him, but he wants to make a change.

Just yesterday, Irvine said he'd be back next season and wouldn't resign.

The Pistons' next coach will be their sixth since 1992. Five coaches have come and gone since Chuck Daly resigned after nine seasons in 1992.

Irvine took over the Pistons late last season after Alvin Gentry was fired. He's got two years remaining on his contract.

The Pistons finished this season with 32 wins against 50 losses, good for tenth in the 15-team Eastern Conference.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo's name has been mentioned as a possible replacement. But he's repeatedly denied any interest in leaving East Lansing.

Irvine compiled a 46-and-60 record with Detroit and 98-and-192 overall. He was an assistant with the Golden State Warriors for two years and worked for 16 years in the Indiana Pacers' front office. He also played in the A-B-A.