Wizards: Wes Unseld Jr. Out as Washington's Head Coach

(Photo : Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 21: Head coach Wes Unseld Jr. of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Denver Nuggets at Capital One Arena on January 21, 2024 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement

The Washington Wizards have announced that they will be transitioning head coach Wes Unseld Jr. to an advisory position in the Wizards' front office, promoting top assistant Brian Keefe as interim head coach throughout the rest of the season.

The Wizards, currently 7-36 which is the second-worst record in the NBA following a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves at home, issued a statement Thursday morning regarding Wes Unseld Jr.'s role with the franchise going forward.

"After several thoughtful conversations with Wes, we determined together that a change was needed for the benefit of the team," Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger said in a press release.

"Wes embodies the characteristics we value in our organization, and his vast basketball experience will be an asset to the front office as we progress toward our long-term goals."

Unseld Jr., son of Wizards Hall of Famer Wes Unseld Sr., was hired by the franchise during the 2021-22 season after decades as an assistant making stops with the Warriors, Magic, and Nuggets.

Throughout his time in DC, he accumulated a winning percentage of .372 failing to reach the playoffs in each of the seasons at the nation's capital.

The Wizards had a busy offseason last summer replacing executive Tommy Sheppard as the head of the Wizards' basketball operations along with trading franchise star Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns; in a trade that included Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors. Days later the franchise would make a trade for Jordan Poole.

Now The Wizards are the second team to move off their head coach following the Milwaukee Bucks in firing Adrian Griffin, replacing him with Doc Rivers.