Wes Unseld Jr. will no longer serve as the head coach of the Washington Wizards and will move into a front office advisory role, the team announced on Thursday.

Washington is 7-36 this season, the second-worst record in the NBA behind the Detroit Pistons (5-39).

"After several thoughtful conversations with Wes, we determined together that a change was needed for the benefit of the team,” Wizards president Michael Winger said.

“Wes embodies the characteristics we value in our organisation, and his vast basketball experience will be an asset to the front office as we progress toward our long-term goals.

“We are thankful that he will continue his contributions to our organisation and community.”

Winger said Washington would name an interim head coach for the remainder of this season later Thursday before beginning its search for a full-time replacement after the 2023-24 campaign.

Unseld Jr. began his NBA coaching career as an assistant with the Wizards in 2005 before being an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic and Denver Nuggets.

The son of Hall of Famer Wes Unseld returned to Washington in 2021 for his first head coaching job and went on to post a 77-130 record with no play-off appearances.

“I am grateful to have served as head coach of the Washington Wizards,” Unseld Jr. said. “I look forward to this new opportunity to work toward our organization’s continued progress.”