CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Charlotte Bobcats Head Coach Paul Silas will not return to coach the team in another season, the team confirmed to WBTV Monday.
"I would like to personally thank Paul for everything he has done for this team under some pretty unique circumstances," President of Basketball Operations Rod Higgins said. "His basketball experience as a coach and a player speak for themselves. We have been fortunate to have someone of his character associated with this franchise and we hope he will continue to be a valuable resource to us in the future."
Silas recently completed his first full season with the Bobcats, after being named interim Head Coach on December 22, 2010, and then having the interim title removed on February 16, 2011. He led the team to a 25-29 record (.463) over the remainder of the 2010-11 season and compiled an overall record of 32-88 (.363) with the Bobcats.
In 11 seasons as an NBA head coach, Silas has a career record of 377-531 with the Clippers (1980-83), Hornets (1999-2003), Cavaliers (2003-05) and Bobcats. He also spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach for the Hornets, Knicks, Nets and Suns.
Higgins said at a press conference Monday afternoon that a search had started immediately for a new head coach.
Silas son and assistant coach Stephen Silas will be candidate for the top job, Higgins said.
"It's time to move on and I'm OK with that," Paul Silas said at the press conference.
Silas will stay on as a consultant for the team and will not persue another head-coaching job in the NBA.
Bobcats Sports & Entertainment owns the Charlotte Bobcats and operates Charlotte's Time Warner Cable Arena.
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