Lloyd McClendon out as Mariners' manager after 2 seasons

— -- SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners have fired manager Lloyd McClendon after two seasons, with new general manager Jerry Dipoto choosing to bring in his own field boss to take over Seattle's operations.

Seattle announced the decision on McClendon on Friday, less than a week after the Mariners concluded a disappointing 76-86 season. Seattle started the year with expectations of contenting in the AL West and reaching the postseason, but instead finished in fourth place in the division.

Dipoto was hired to replace Jack Zduriencik the final week of the regular season and said he would take his time evaluating whether McClendon would return. McClendon was under contract for the 2016 season.

McClendon's replacement will be the Mariners' ninth manager since they last made the playoffs in 2001. 

McClendon managed the Pirates for five seasons before being fired close to the tail end of the 2005 season.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.