Toronto Raptors fire coach Sam Mitchell

The Toronto Raptors have fired head coach Sam Mitchell after an 8-9 start to the season, making him the third NBA coach to get the ax so far this year.  Mitchell went from the “penthouse to the outhouse” in record time, from winning the NBA ‘Coach of the Year’ in 2006-2007 to the unemployment line less than a year and a half later. 

Mitchell was the sixth coach in franchise history, and signed a three year contract in 2007 after leading the team to a record 47 wins and the Atlantic Division title.  Though the Raptors have dealt with a lot of injuries this year, his team compounded this problem by a lack of hustle—particularly on the defensive end.  A 39 point loss to Denver on Tuesday night was apparently the last straw—the Nuggets shot over 60% from the field, rung up 37 assists for the game (the most by a team so far this season) and generally had their way with a porous Raptor defense in a 132-93 loss.  The 39 point setback was the fifth worst in franchise history.  General Manager Bryan Coangelo described the loss in highly visceral terms:

"Obviously, last night's game was just an absolute kick to the gut. When you look back, it's a culmination of things. Expectations are high. We want to win."

Coangelo named assistant coach Jay Triano to fill Mitchell’s position for the rest of the season.  Triano becomes the first Canadian head coach in NBA history, and will make his debut Friday night as the Raptors host the Utah Jazz.  Triano’s approach to dealing with his team’s woeful defense is apparently a more potent offense:

"I think running becomes a mind-set and a habit. I think if it's not enforced it becomes easy to walk the ball up the court."We're committed to trying to find easier ways to score the basketball."

Mitchell displayed a lot of class in his comments to the media after his firing was announced, expressing disappointment but emphasizing his appreciation for the opportunity: