PHOENIX – With their season continuing to swirl down the drain, the Phoenix Suns fired Jeff Hornacek and promoted Earl Watson to interim coach Monday.
The 52-year-old Hornacek, a 14-year NBA veteran from Iowa State, went 48-34 in 2013-14, his first year as head coach. But the Suns slipped to 39-43 last season before this season's collapse: They are 14-35 after losing 19 of 21 games and are headed for a sixth consecutive season without a playoff appearance. They have also lost 14 road games in a row.
Watson, 36, was selected after interviews were conducted Monday with the remaining Suns assistant coaches. Since Jerry Sichting and Mike Longabardi were fired a month ago, the only assistants still on the payroll were Watson, Corey Gaines and Nate Bjorkgren.
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