Knicks Fire Head Coach Derek Fisher

By Cheri Cheng - 08 Feb '16 16:06PM

The New York Knicks have fired head coach Derek Fisher. The announcement was made after the Knicks went on a five-game losing streak.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that sources said the Knicks no longer felt like Fisher, 41, was making the transition from player to coach effectively. Fisher played for five NBA teams throughout his career but was mostly known for his time spent with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Fisher was hired by Knicks president Phil Jackson to take over for Mike Woodson. Jackson, who coached Fisher, believed that Fisher could turn the Knicks franchise around.

Jackson had said in 2014 when he hired Fisher, "I'd like to have a prior relationship with a coach so that we know that we've gone through some kind of issues together "We've dealt with some kind of battle situations. We've had conflicts, we've had disagreements and we know how to work things out. Those, I think, are part and parcel I think to having a relationship with people that can work together that can still disagree and come to terms."

A 23-31 record this season and a 17-65 record last season, however, was a big enough sign that Fisher might not have what it takes to get the Knicks out of their funk.

In Fisher's statement, he commended the team, staff and ownership.

"This is a very talented team with strong character and I am confident they will succeed," Fisher said. "Obviously, I'm disappointed, but have learned an immense amount from this experience and hope to grow from it."

Fisher becomes the fifth NBA head coach to be fired this season. The other four were David Blatt of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jeff Hornacek of the Phoenix Suns, Kevin McHale of the Houston Rockets and Lionel Hollins of the Brooklyn Nets.

Assistant coach Kurt Rambis will be the interim coach. Rambis has head coaching experience with the Minnesota Timberwolves. His record from 2009 to 2011 was 56-145.

The Knicks are currently in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. They will be hosting the Washington Wizards on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.