Toronto Raptors Fire Head Coach Sam Mitchell

 Sam Mitchell is out as Toronto Raptors head coach. Citing a series of blown double-digit leads and “mental breakdowns” in games this season, team president and general manager Bryan Colangelo fired the 45-year-old Mitchell, a day after a horrendous 132-93 loss to the Denver Nuggets dropped Toronto to 8-9 on the season. “Some of the things that you were wanting to see out there were just not happening,” Colangelo said on a conference call. Jay Triano, one of Mitchell’s assistants and the longest-serving member of the coaching staff, takes over on an interim basis, becoming the first Canadian-born head coach in NBA history. “I have a lot of respect for Jay’s basketball acumen,” Colangelo said, adding it was a “likelihood” that Triano will be at the helm for the rest of the season. “He will be a fresh voice for the players to listen to.” Mitchell leaves with a career record of 156-189 and after winning the ... (link)