New Orleans Pelicans fire head coach Monty Williams

— -- The New Orleans Pelicans have fired head coach Monty Williams after five seasons. 

The Pelicans went 45-37 this season to earn the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They were swept by the Golden State Warriors in the first round. 

"Making a decision like this is never easy and is never done hastily, especially when you are dealing with a person of Monty Williams' character. We thanked Monty for the tremendous work and commitment he made to our organization and the development of our young players, specifically  Anthony Davis," Pelicans executive vice president Mickey Loomis said in a statement. "While we continue to work towards improving our roster, we decided that now was the time to make this decision. We wish nothing but the best for Monty in the future."

After their playoff elimination two weeks ago, The Times-Picayune published a letter sent by Pelicans owner Tom Benson to Williams, the players and the team's staff that said, in part, "I wanted to thank each and every one of you for a job well done this past season. We made the playoffs in a very strong finish at the end of the season. That is a tribute to your hard work and determination. You were able to overcome the adversities that face every team, but it was the way you all came together as a team that made us all very proud. ... I am very excited about the future of our Pelicans."

New Orleans made the playoffs in Williams' first season with guard Chris Paul. Williams then shepherded the franchise through a rebuilding period that included the trade of Paul and a change in ownership.

He's also been Davis' only NBA coach.

Williams went 173-221 with two playoff appearances after landing his first heading coaching job with the Pelicans in 2010. He had one guaranteed season left on his contract, with a team option for 2016-17.

Information from The Associated Press and ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein was used in this report.