CLIPPERS ANNOUNCE DEL NEGRO WILL NOT RETURN AS HEAD COACH

The Los Angeles Clippers announced today they will not offer a new contract to head coach Vinny Del Negro. A search for a new coach will begin immediately.

“We would like to thank Vinny for everything he did during his three years with the organization,” Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations Gary Sacks said. “Vinny helped this team win a Pacific Division title and we greatly appreciate all that he and his staff helped us accomplish. This was a difficult decision, but we feel this is the best decision for our franchise moving forward.”

Del Negro compiled a 128-102 (.557) record with the Clippers in three seasons, guiding them to the Playoffs in 2012 and 2013. The Clippers finished the 2012-13 season with a franchise-high 56 wins and the fourth seed in the Western Conference Playoffs before falling 4-2 to the Memphis Grizzlies in the First Round. In five seasons as a head coach with the Chicago Bulls and Clippers, Del Negro owns a 210-184 (.533) career record.

"I want to thank the Clipper organization for allowing me the opportunity to lead this team," Del Negro said. "I am proud of what we accomplished during my tenure, and how the expectations have changed and what lies ahead for this franchise.

"The past three years with the Clippers have been an incredible learning experience for me, and I value the knowledge and wisdom I’ve gained. It has been a pleasure working with everyone in the organization -- from Mr. and Mrs. Sterling, to Andy [Roeser], Gary [Sacks] and Eric [Miller] and, most of all, the players and assistant coaches, whom deserve tremendous credit for our collective success.

"I wish the Clipper organization nothing but continued success."