WASHINGTON — Another head coaching search is underway in the DMV. This time, for a new leader of the Washington Wizards. The team announced head coach Wes Unseld, Jr. has been relieved of his duties on Thursday morning.
Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger announced Unseld, Jr. will transition into a front-office advisory position. The announcement comes after the Wizards fell to the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves by a final score of 118-107 on Wednesday night.
It was the Wizards fifth-straight loss and the fourth skid of at least that many games for the league’s second-worst team.
“After several thoughtful conversations with Wes, we determined together that a change was needed for the benefit of the team,” Winger said in a press statement. “Wes embodies the characteristics we value in our organization, and his vast basketball experience will be an asset to the front office as we progress toward our long-term goals. We are thankful that he will continue his contributions to our organization and community.”
Unseld Jr. was named head coach of the Wizards on July 17, 2021. He compiled a record of 77-130 (.372) in his two-and-a-half seasons with the team.
“I am grateful to have served as head coach of the Washington Wizards,” Unseld Jr. said. “I look forward to this new opportunity to work toward our organization’s continued progress.”
Brian Keefe has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The team will undertake a comprehensive head coach search in the offseason.
Keefe was named the Wizards’ lead assistant in July after having spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets. He brings over 17 seasons of coaching experience to Washington, including stints as an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20 and 2007-14), Los Angeles Lakers (2016-19), and New York Knicks (2014-16). Keefe began his NBA career as a video coordinator with the San Antonio Spurs from 2005-07, helping the team win the 2007 NBA championship.
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