The Sacramento Kings (2-5) announced early Thursday in a press release that Paul Westphal’s duty as head coach days are over.

“I want to thank Paul for all of his effort on behalf of the Kings,” said President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie. “Unfortunately, the overall performance level of the team has not approached what we felt was reasonable to expect. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Earlier this week Westphal announced in an unusual press release that Sacramento Kings center Demarcus Cousin had ‘demanded’ trade which Cousins later denied. Westphal not only told Cousins not to suit up for a home game against the New Orleans on new years day- the only game that the Kings won since their victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, but he was sent home as ‘punishment’.

Current assistant head coach and former Golden State Warriors head coach, Keith Smart, will now take over and serve as head coach in tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.