Decision on Westhead Is Expected Today

The fate of Paul Westhead’s position as coach of the Denver Nuggets probably will be announced today at a news conference called by the team.

Bernie Bickerstaff, the club’s general manager, met with Westhead on Wednesday before scheduling the news conference, where Bickerstaff said that all “relevant statements” would be made. Westhead is in the second year of a two-year contract.

The Denver Post reported that a source within the Nugget organization said it was “D-Day” for Westhead and that “it will be a miracle if he isn’t fired.”

Reporters have speculated for weeks that Westhead would be fired. His first Denver team was 20-62, improving only to 24-58 this season. Those two seasons represent the worst in franchise history.

Westhead, whose contract pays him $250,000 annually, said Sunday at the conclusion of the season that he shouldn’t be asked to bear full blame for the team’s failings.

“For two years, it’s been my head out there getting slung around, when it’s clear it’s been a bad team,” he said. “This is not a breakdown of my coaching ability. I feel I’ve done a competent, professional job with a team that we all knew wasn’t going to win games.”