McHale guided the Rockets to a 56-26 record and the Western Conference finals last season, but the team has been in disarray early this year. He signed a contract extension last year that reportedly was worth more than $12 million over this and the next two seasons, fully guaranteed .
MORE: Coaches who lost their jobs in 2015 | Rockets call players-only meeting
The quick trigger from the Rockets comes after a players-only meeting this week . Houston, defined by general manager Daryl Morey’s preference for fast pace and 3-point attempts, is shooting 29.0 percent from behind the arc this season.
“We got to start making some plays," McHale said after Monday’s loss. “We made enough excuses.”
J.B. Bickerstaff will be the team’s interim head coach, while assistant Chris Finch will be the associate head coach, Yahoo Sports reported.
McHale’s Rockets took steps forward every season, from 34-32 in 2011-12 to 45-37 in 2012-13 to 54-28 in 2013-14 to last season. He oversaw the additions of James Harden, who rose to stardom with the Rockets after being the Oklahoma City Thunder’s sixth man, and Dwight Howard, who has struggled with injuries over recent seasons.
McHale is tied with Rick Adelman, whom he replaced, for third in Rockets history with 193 victories. His .598 winning percentage is the best in franchise history.
