Detroit Pistons Fire Maurice Cheeks As Head Coach [Video]

The Detroit Pistons fired head coach Maurice Cheeks Sunday, less than 50 games into his tenure as coach.

Insiders say that assistant coach John Loyer will finish out the season as Pistons head coach, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

This is the 8th coaching change by the Pistons since Joe Dumars took control in 2000.  Many are calling out Dumars for the issues in Detroit lately, saying that this is probably going to be his last chance.  Pistons owner Tom Gores released this statement about firing Cheeks.

Our record does not reflect our talent and we simply need a change

The Pistons were 21-29 so far this season, and one spot out of the playoffs in the dismal Eastern Conference.  The Pistons were also playing well lately, winning four of the last six games.  That didn't prove to be enough to save Cheeks though.

Now the Pistons find themselves in a very familiar position, as they are looking for a long term coach to help restore them to the NBA elite.