Seattle SuperSonics Fire Jones as Coach

The Seattle SuperSonics fired K.C. Jones Wednesday after consecutive home losses to Orlando and Charlotte and named assistant Bob Kloppenburg as interim coach. Another assistant, Kip Motta, also was fired.

“This is the most difficult decision I have ever made,” club president Bob Whitsitt said. “K.C. is a class person in the truest sense of the word. But at this time, it has become clear that we need to go in a different direction on the court.”

Jones led the SuperSonics to a 41-41 record and a playoff berth last season. Tied for fifth in the Pacific Division, Seattle is 18-18 and has lost its last three games.

Jones, 59, said he was a victim of circumstances.

“They’re a young team,” he told KIRO Radio. “They’re in a learning mode. It’ll take some time. It just didn’t come quick enough.

“I’ll sit and look at the big mountains and the trees and just relax,” he said of his immediate plans. “I think I’ll stay out here.”

Jones coached the Boston Celtics for five seasons (1983-88) and guided them to NBA championships in 1984 and ’86. He also coached the Bullets for three years, in 1973-76. Jones won eight NBA titles in nine seasons as a player with the Celtics in 1959-1967.