The Nets wasted no time in addressing the interim status of P.J. Carlesimo.
Less than 24 hours after being eliminated in Game 7 of the first round of the playoffs by the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn announced that Carlesimo will not be retained for next season, and that they will begin the search for a new head coach.
“The Brooklyn Nets organization would like to thank P.J. for his efforts with the team in his roles as both head coach and assistant, and for his contributions to the team’s success both on and off the court,” Nets GM Billy Hunter said in a statement. “We wish P.J. and his family only the best in the years to come.”
Carlesimo took over for Avery Johnson after Brooklyn got out to a 14-14 start to the season. The Nets went 35-19 to finish the regular season, but the loss to an undermanned Bulls team in the playoffs was disappointing, and likely had more than a little to do with the team and Carlesimo parting ways.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports that Jeff Van Gundy is a top target of the Nets for the now vacant head coaching spot.