The Milwaukee Bucks today relieved Larry Krystkowiak of his head coaching duties, General Manager John Hammond announced. The decision was made after Hammond met with Krystkowiak Thursday morning at the Bucks Training Center in St. Francis, WI. The search for the Bucks new head coach begins immediately.
“Larry Krystkowiak is a good man who worked very hard for the Milwaukee Bucks,” said Hammond. “Sometimes despite even the best efforts, the results don’t end up how we want them. At this time, I feel it is in the best interest of our franchise to make a change at the head coaching position. I want to thank Larry for his hard work and dedication to our team, and our entire organization wishes him and his family well.”
In less than two seasons as head coach of the Bucks, Krystkowiak compiled a 31-69 record (.310). He was named head coach on March 14, 2007, replacing Terry Stotts.
Krystkowiak was originally hired by the Bucks on June 22, 2006, as an assistant coach to Stotts. He came to Milwaukee following two seasons as the head coach at his alma mater, the University of Montana. He led the Grizzlies to a 42-20 record during those two campaigns and won back-to-back Big Sky Conference Tournaments. He also guided his Montana squad to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a first-round upset over Nevada in the 2006 NCAA Tournament.
Krystkowiak’s coaching resume also includes a one-year stint as head coach of the Idaho Stampede (CBA), where he guided his team to a franchise-best 37-16 record during the 2003-04 season.
He has also spent time as an assistant coach at Norfolk Collegiate High School in Virginia (2002-03), at Old Dominion (2001-02), and at Montana (1998-2000).
Drafted by Chicago in 1986, Krystkowiak played in nine NBA seasons, including four with the Milwaukee Bucks (he spent five seasons in Milwaukee from 1987-92, but was injured during the 1990-91 season). He averaged 9.8 points and 6.0 rebounds in 225 career games with Milwaukee. He also played for San Antonio, Utah, Orlando, Chicago and the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 8.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 420 career NBA games.
He remains Montana’s all-time leader in points (2,017) and rebounds (1,105) after playing four years for the Grizzlies from 1982-86. In 1989, he became the only player in men’s basketball history at Montana to have his number (42) retired.
