Pistons fire head coach Maurice Cheeks

The Detroit Pistons fired their head coach Maurice Cheeks on Sunday. Cheeks becoms the eighth coach to be fired in GM Joe Dumars 14 years heading up the franchise.

Cheeks was hired last off season to replace Lawrence Frank but is bounced 50 games into the first year of his deal. The Pistons have underperformed in the east, even with the additions of Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings. Detroit had just won four of its last six games, but started the season 17-27.

Per ESPN, the Pistons are said to be interested in Lionel Hollins, but not until after the last 32 games of the season are played. Hollins was the head coach for the Memphis Grizzlies last season. But, was fired in the off season. A record 13 new head coaches started the 2013-2014 NBA season.

Both Brandon Jennings and Charlie Villanueva found out the news via Twitter.

Wait what

— BRANDON JENNINGS (@BrandonJennings) February 9, 2014

Tuh.

— BRANDON JENNINGS (@BrandonJennings) February 9, 2014

I will like to thank Mo Cheeks for everything, thank you for helping me become a better person & player. I’m still learning

— BRANDON JENNINGS (@BrandonJennings) February 9, 2014

Is it true?

— Charlie Villanueva (@CV31) February 9, 2014

We must stay strong. This is part of the game. Must stay focus and keep playoff in mind. We are a talented team, one game at a time.

— Charlie Villanueva (@CV31) February 9, 2014