© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Detroit Shock coach Laimbeer steps down, Mahorn takes over

WKAR Public Media
Published June 16, 2009 at 5:48 AM EDT

By AP

AUBURN HILLS, MI – Bill Laimbeer is stepping down as head coach of the Detroit Shock, leaving the defending WNBA champions only three games into the season.

The team says assistant coach Rick Mahorn will take over as head coach, and assistant coach Cheryl Reeve will keep her title and also become the team's new general manager.

Laimbeer took over the Shock in 2002 and led them to six playoff appearances and three WNBA championships.

A team statement did not give a reason for Laimbeer's departure.

Mahorn and Laimbeer are former members of the Detroit Pistons 'Bad Boys' teams of the 1980s. Mahorn is in his fifth season with the Shock.

The Shock are 1-2 so far this season.
Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.
DONATE to close the gap