By AP
AUBURN HILLS, MI – Bill Laimbeer is stepping down as head coach of the Detroit Shock, leaving the defending WNBA champions only three games into the season.
The team says assistant coach Rick Mahorn will take over as head coach, and assistant coach Cheryl Reeve will keep her title and also become the team's new general manager.
Laimbeer took over the Shock in 2002 and led them to six playoff appearances and three WNBA championships.
A team statement did not give a reason for Laimbeer's departure.
Mahorn and Laimbeer are former members of the Detroit Pistons 'Bad Boys' teams of the 1980s. Mahorn is in his fifth season with the Shock.
The Shock are 1-2 so far this season.