New York Liberty, coach Bill Laimbeer part ways

NEW YORK (AP) The New York Liberty have split with coach and general manager Bill Laimbeer.

The WNBA team said Tuesday it didn't renew his contract.

The Liberty went 26-42 in Laimbeer's two seasons and missed the playoffs both years. The former Detroit Pistons star led the Detroit Shock to three WNBA titles as the team's general manager and coach from 2002 to 2009.

Allan Houston, the Knicks' assistant general manager who also oversees Liberty basketball operations, thanked Laimbeer for his ''hard work and contributions.''

Houston says the Liberty have ''a loyal and passionate fan base'' and the franchise will aim to ''reach our ultimate goal of a WNBA championship.''