DETROIT (AP) — (AP) — The Pistons fired Michael Curry on Tuesday after Detroit finished under .500 in his first year as coach and was swept in the first round of the playoffs.

The Pistons began the season with big hopes but couldn't recover from the loss of All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups in a November trade to Denver for Allen Iverson.

The Pistons went 39-43 and exited the postseason in four lopsided losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Joe Dumars, the team's president for basketball operations, said after that series that Curry would return.

"This was a difficult decision to make," Dumars said in a statement Tuesday. "I want to thank Michael for his hard work and dedication to the organization. However, at this time, I have decided to make a change."

Dumars fired coach Flip Saunders last year after he led the team to the Eastern Conference finals in each of his three seasons. Curry was an assistant under Saunders for one season.

A message left on Curry's cell phone was not immediately returned.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Pistons have fired Michael Curry after his team went 39-43 in his first year as a head coach.

Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said Tuesday a change was necessary.

The Pistons were swept in the first round of the playoffs in four lopsided losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Dumars said after that series that Curry would return.

Detroit began the season with big hopes but couldn't recover from the loss of All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups in a November trade to Denver for Allen Iverson.

Dumars fired coach Flip Saunders last year after he led the team to the Eastern Conference finals in each of his three seasons.