The Dallas Mavericks fired head coach Avery Johnson on Wednesday, one day after the team lost in the first round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season. As reported by ESPN: 

“It is never easy to relieve a coach of his duties, especially one of Avery’s caliber,” Owner Mark Cuban said in a statement. “He is a talented coach and I want to thank him for his efforts over the last fours years and what he has done for this franchise.”

Johnson’s regular season record with the Mavs was an impressive 194-70. However, his 23-24 playoff record was what did him in. Dallas’ 3-12 playoff record since holding a 2-0 lead in the 2006 NBA Finals didn’t help Johnson’s cause, either. 

Last year, a 67-win Dallas team lost in the first round to the No. 8 seed Golden State Warriors. This monumental loss came just one season after Johnson was named the NBA’s coach of the year.

After Tuesday’s game five loss against the Hornets, Cuban and Johnson agreed that a change would be best for both sides. 

Johnson’s Mavericks failed to capitalize on the Jason Kidd trade this season, going 17-17 after he arrived. Dallas was 35-18 before the trade. Kidd’s player option for 2008-09 will pay him $21 million, making it likely he will return to Dallas.

Whoever replaces Johnson as the Mavs’ coach next season is going to have a difficult time improving the team. Rick Carlisle is a possibility, as well as Phoenix’s Mike D’Antoni, should he lose his job.

As for Avery Johnson, he shouldn’t be un-employed long, as the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks are among the teams with coaching vacancies. Johnson could be just what the Knicks needs, a no-nonsense disciplinary coach. Then again, New York has plenty of massive egos as is it. A young Chicago team may be the better fit for Johnson. Only time will tell.

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