Raptors fire Coach Sam Mitchell

Raptors fire Coach Sam MitchellTORONTO, Dec. 3 -- The Toronto Raptors fired Coach Sam Mitchell Wednesday following the team's 8-9 record starting the 2008-09 season.

The move was made a day after a 132-93 loss to the Nuggets in Denver and a 112-99 loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles on Monday.

"This is a difficult but necessary step the franchise must take," said team President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo. "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."

In four-plus seasons, Mitchell compiled a 156-189 record with two playoff appearances.

He also garnered coach of the year honors for the 2006-07 season when the Raptors finished with a franchise-record tying 47 wins.

Assistant coach Jay Triano replaces Mitchell on an interim basis. (UPI)

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