In A Stunner George Karl Is Out As Head Coach Of The Denver Nuggets

Amazing. Simply amazing. 57 wins, a coach of the year award, and the foundation of a nice young,  athletic team weren't enough to keep George Karl in Denver. The Nuggets announced on Thursday that Karl is leaving the Nuggets, effective right away.

Karl wanted his contract extended. The deal had 1 year remaining. Denver already lost their GM Masai Ujiri, who left to run the Toronto Raptors. Ujiri and Karl combined to put a  very exciting product and a productive ball club on the court. Despite losing Carmelo Anthony in a trade with the Knicks, the Nuggets assembled a talented roster of athletes that led the NBA in scoring.

1 blemish on Karl's record with Denver is losing in the 1st round of the western conference playoffs 8 of 9 years. This year Denver was ousted in the 1st round by Golden State. the Nuggs also lost Danilo Gallinari late in the season.

In Karl's tenure at Denver he won 423 games and lost only 257. All time Karl has won 1,131 games and lost 756. His playoff record is not so pretty at 80-105. he did guide the Seattle Sonics to a berth in the finals where the Sonics lost to Michael Jordan's Bulls.

Karl is currently tied Phil Jackson. Both have coached 21 straight seasons with a winning record.

Speculation already is buzzing that Karl could wind up in Toronto with his previous GM, UJiri, or perhaps the Clippers where they are looking to replace Vinny Del Negro. Throw in the  Memphis Grizzlies if they decide not to resign Lionel Hollins, who ironically could wind up in Denver