Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Wes Unseld Jr. was moved to the Wizards' front office on Thursday after two-and-a-half seasons as head coach in Washington.

Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger labeled the move a "transition" into what the team dubbed a front office advisory position.

"After several thoughtful conversations with Wes, we determined together that a change was needed for the benefit of the team," Winger said. "Wes embodies the characteristics we value in our organization, 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 organization and community."

An interim head coach will be named later Thursday, the team said.

Multiple reports indicated that assistant coach Brian Keefe will take over. He has been an assistant coach in the NBA since 2007 with the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets and Wizards.

Unseld, 48, became coach of the Wizards in July 2021, and the team posted a 77-130 record.

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

The Wizards (7-36) have lost five straight games and 11 of their last 12 heading into Thursday's home game with the Utah Jazz.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Cubs acquiring veteran reliever from Mariners
Top-five NBA Draft prospect suffers scary non-contact injury
Hurricanes stay alive with third-period outburst vs. Rangers
Jaylen Brown's big three-pointer gives Celtics 3-1 lead over Cavs
Avalanche star placed in player assistance program
Mercury announce devastating injury on eve of WNBA season
Randy Moss' son makes major football announcement
Reds place key outfielder on injured list with broken thumb
Tom Brady's broadcasting debut set for Week 1 of NFL season
Struggling Cubs reliever placed on injured list 
Report: Justin Fields had ‘toxic' relationship with ex-Bears QB
Extension makes Lions QB Jared Goff one of NFL's highest-paid players
Kentucky's Reed Sheppard displays excellent skills at NBA Draft Combine
Knicks big man undergoes another ankle surgery
Flames CEO stepping down, transitioning to advisory role
Oilers star seemingly dismisses Arturs Silovs' performance in Game 3
Bengals QB Joe Burrow is making a notable change to stay healthy in 2024
Orioles designate outfielder for assignment
Antoine Winfield Jr. agrees to record contract extension with Buccaneers
Bears coach provides massive update on QB Caleb Williams' progress