The Warriors will not retain coach Keith Smart for the 2011-12 season, the team said.
"It's never easy to make difficult decisions, especially when it involves someone that we have a great deal of respect for like Keith Smart," co-owner Joe Lacob said in a news release. "After meeting extensively with Larry Riley and Bob Myers, we came to the conclusion that a change was necessary at this particular time. I think Keith did an admirable job this season and he should be commended for many of the positive things that transpired both on and off the floor. The team showed improvement and their effort was never in question. However, we've elected to pursue a new path and we wish Keith the very best. He's a quality person and we thank him for the time he invested with our organization."
Smart, 46, was hired as a Warriors' assistant coach during the 2003-04 season. He replaced Don Nelson as the head man a week before the 2010-11 season and led the Warriors to a 36-46 record, a 10-win improvement.