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After Mike Dunleavy stepped down as Clippers head coach to concentrate on his general managing duties, a lot of people placed bets on the number of days before the Clippers gave him the ax. If you said 33 days, then you are correct.
In a statement released by the Clippers this afternoon:
The organization has determined that the goal of building a winning team is best served by making this decision at this time. The team has simply not made sufficient progress during Dunleavy’s seven-year tenure. The Clippers want to win now. This transition, in conjunction with a full commitment to dedicate unlimited resources, is designed to accomplish that objective.
Dunleavy was the head coach of the team since the 2003-2004 season and took them to the playoffs in the 2005-2006 season where they won their first playoff series since the 1975-1976 season when they were known as the Buffalo Braves. Dunleavy took over as general manager after hall-of-famer Elgin Baylor was ceremoniously let go in 2008.
Assistant general manager Neil Olshey will assume the duties in Dunleavy's absence. It remains to be seen what will be done with the remaining $5.4 million on his contract that was due to expire next season.