Report: Golden State Fires Mark Jackson

The Golden State Warriors have fired Mark Jackson, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

It's been rumored for weeks that Jackson was on the hot seat and after losing to the Clippers in seven games, Jackson is now unemployed.

According to the report, the Warriors plan on pursuing 'several top coaching candidates,' including Steve Kerr and Stan Van Gundy.

The Warriors will have to move quickly if they hope to land Kerr, who has been rumored to be hired by Phil Jackson as the next head coach of the Knicks.

The Warriors won 50 games this year, something that hasn't been done since 1993-94 so the job figures to be the most attractive opening in the NBA.

In a press release shortly after the report, the Warriors explained their decision:

“It’s never easy to make a decision of this nature,” said General Manager Bob Myers. “Mark has accomplished many good things during his three years with the organization, including his role in helping elevate this team into a better position than it was when he arrived nearly 36 months ago. We’re appreciative of his dedication and commitment since his arrival and are extremely grateful for his contributions. However, as an organization, we simply feel it’s best to move in a different direction at this time.”

“Mark Jackson has had a big impact on the improvement of our team and the success that we’ve had over the last couple of years,” said Owner & CEO Joe Lacob. “Nonetheless, we must make some difficult decisions in our day-to-day operations of the club and this would certainly qualify as one of those examples. We wish Mark the best of luck in his future endeavors and thank him for his contributions over the last three years.”

The Warriors could also reach out to the Chicago Bulls for permission to speak with Tom Thibodeau.

Jackson reportedly had rifts with two different assistant head coaches this season as well as upper management. However, just two days ago star player Stephen Curry questioned why Jackson's job would even be in jeopardy.