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New York Rehires Bill Laimbeer As Head Coach

DOUG FEINBERG, AP Basketball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Liberty rehired Bill Laimbeer as their head coach on Thursday, minus the general manager title.

The Liberty didn't renew his contract in October after New York missed the playoffs for the second straight season. The team chose not to exercise his option year.

In his two seasons in New York, Laimbeer posted a 26-42 record. The former Detroit Pistons star led the Detroit Shock to three WNBA titles as the general manager and coach from 2002 to 2009.

"I am proud to be leading the New York Liberty behind the bench, and believe that great things are ahead of us," Laimbeer said in a statement released by the team. "I came to New York talking about building a championship culture — and remain committed to that goal as head coach. I am thrilled to get started on the upcoming season."

Laimbeer held both the general manager and head coach title in his previous stint with the Liberty.

New York made a big trade before the start of last season, acquiring Tina Charles from the Connecticut Sun on draft day. The Liberty couldn't capitalize on their new acquisition, falling a game short of making the playoffs.

"Our goal is to ensure that the Liberty return to their position as one of the most consistently competitive and successful teams in the WNBA," said Kristin Bernert, who is the senior vice president of business operations for the Liberty.

"We spent a great deal of time on how to move forward to ensure both immediate and long-term success, and kept coming back to Bill. He's had tremendous success in the WNBA, and we are confident that he is the right coach to help deliver a winning franchise for our fans."

It's not the first time a New York team has brought back a former coach. Billy Martin had five different stints managing the Yankees. Al Arbour had two stints coaching the Islanders.

Both won championships with those teams.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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