Basketball: Sacramento Kings fire head coach Mike Malone after starting season 11-13

Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. -- PHOTO: ED SZCZEPANSKI-USA TODAY SPORTS 
Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. -- PHOTO: ED SZCZEPANSKI-USA TODAY SPORTS 

SACRAMENTO (AFP) - Mike Malone has been fired as head coach of the Sacramento Kings and replaced by interim coach Tyrone Corbin, the National Basketball Association team announced Monday.

"This was an extremely difficult decision, but one we feel is in the best interest of the franchise moving forward," said general manager Pete D'Alessandro on Monday.

The Kings are 11-13 entering Monday's games in a competitive Western Conference after finishing 28-54 last season.

Corbin was Malone's assistant coach. He also spent four seasons as head coach of the Utah Jazz. The Kings have not had a winning season since 2005-06, also the last time they made the post-season.

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