Bower steps down as Hornets coach, will keep GM post

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Jeff Bower is stepping down as coach of the New Orleans Hornets but will remain the team's general manager.

Hornets spokesman Harold Kaufman says Bower, who has been general manager since 2005, will turn his focus immediately to the search for a new coach and the NBA draft in June.

Bower first joined the Hornets as a scout 15 years ago. He took over as head coach nine games into this past season, after Byron Scott was fired.

New Orleans struggled with injuries to key players like Chris Paul and Peja Stojakovic, finishing 34-39 in Bower's only season as an NBA head coach.