Raptors fire coach Mitchell

Dec 3, 2008 - 10:44 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- A day after the Toronto Raptors suffered their worst loss in franchise history, coach Sam Mitchell lost his job.

Canadian-born assistant Jay Triano has been named interim coach.

After acquiring six-time All-Star Jermaine O'Neal, the Raptors entered this season with lofty expectations. However, Toronto fell to a disappointing 8-9 following Tuesday's 132-93 loss at Denver.

"This is a difficult but necessary step for the franchise to take," general manager Bryan Colangelo said. "We appreciate all that Sam has done for the organization, applaud him for his successes and wish him nothing but the best with his future in basketball."

Mitchell, 45, was in his fifth season as Raptors coach. He compiled a 156-189 record and was named the NBA's Coach of the Year in 2006-07 after guiding the Raptors to the Atlantic Division title.

In May 2007, Mitchell signed a three-year contract to remain with the Raptors after drawing interest from both Indiana and Charlotte.

Toronto managed only a .500 finish last season before losing in the first round of the playoffs against Orlando.

It has been a bit of a struggle this season for the Raptors, who have been hampered by injuries. The oft-injured O'Neal has been sidelined with a knee injury and guard Jose Calderon had missed time with a hamstring injury.

Mitchell becomes the third coach to be fired this season, joining P.J. Carlesimo of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Eddie Jordan of the Washington Wizards.

Triano, who is in his seventh season on the Toronto staff, was head coach of the Canadian men's national team from 1998-2004.

Triano's first game as interim coach comes Friday when the Raptors visit the Utah Jazz.