Brooklyn Nets part ways with head coach Kenny Atkinson

Kenny Atkinson, head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. /VCG

The Brooklyn Nets announced on Saturday that the team and their head coach Kenny Atkinson agreed to part ways. Assistant coach Jacque Vaughn will take over for the rest of the season.

"After discussions with Kenny about the progress of the season, we mutually agreed that a coaching change would be in the best interest of the team. This was an extremely difficult decision, however the organization believes it is one that is necessary at this time," said Sean Marks, general manager of the Nets in a statement.

This is the fourth season that Atkinson has coached the Nets. Last year, he managed to lead the team to the playoffs as No. 6 in the Eastern Conference. Currently, the team ranks No. 7 in the East with a 28-34 record.

It remains unknown why the Nets decided to change Atkinson at this moment.