Pistons axe Curry

Michael Curry has been sacked as head coach of the Detroit Pistons after failing to guide the franchise beyond the first round of last season's playoffs.

Curry was relieved of his duties by Detroit's president of basketball operations Joe Dumars after presiding over a losing regular-season record last term.

Detroit finished the campaign with a 39-43 record before being swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games in the playoffs.

"This was a difficult decision to make," Dumars said.

"I want to thank Michael for his hard work and dedication to the organisation. However, at this time, I have decided to make a change."

Curry was named head coach in June 2008 having served one season in Detroit as an assistant coach under Flip Saunders.

The 40-year-old had two separate stints with the organisation as a player between 1995 and 1997, and 1999 and 2003.