Sonics fire laid-back coach Bob Weiss
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-04 08:52

Weiss will remain with the team in an advisory role, Sund said.

The firing falls in line with the Sonics' history of quick moves. Weiss is the third coach fired by Seattle during the season since 1992. In 2000, Paul Westphal was let go after a 6-9 start, replaced by McMillan. In 1992, K.C. Jones was fired after an 18-18 start and replaced by George Karl.

Hill found out about the decision during breakfast and said there would be significant changes, including possible starting lineup moves. This will be his fourth head coaching job, with previous stops in Indiana, New York and San Antonio, where he had the most success.

From 1994-96, Hill compiled a 124-58 record with the Spurs, winning two division titles and advancing to the 1995 Western Conference finals before losing to Houston. Hill has a 257-212 overall record.

Hill met with the players before practice.

"I told them that when they signed that contract they were agreeing that they would cooperate with whatever we wanted to do," Hill said. "I expect them to play hard. I'm not going to coach effort, but I want them to play hard and play good."

Hill's most recent head coaching job was at Fordham University from 1999-2002. He's also served as an assistant with the Knicks and Orlando Magic.

Because the Northwest Division is weak, making the playoffs is not out of the question. Despite their struggles, the Sonics are only two games behind first-place Minnesota.

When he was hired as an assistant, Hill believed the Sonics could win the West. Now?

"I don't know what we can do," Hill said. "I think it's a good team. I think we can be a good team. How good? I don't know."

The majority of the Sonics' problems are at the defensive end, where they are worst in the league in points allowed (105.2) and field goal percentage (49.8).

Monday's loss may have sealed Weiss' fate. The Pacers had lost four straight and were without All-Star Jermaine O'Neal, guard Jamaal Tinsley and embattled forward Ron Artest. Yet, Indiana raced to a 38-23 lead and finished with its highest point total of the season.

Seattle has held only six opponents under 100 points and just once in its last 12 games.

"I think we all believe we're a good team," Allen said.