Flip Saunders was forced out as Detroit Pistons coach on Tuesday, three years after he took over for a coaching great who led the team to two straight NBA finals appearances.

Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars spoke at a news conference stating that Saunders will not be the only change. "I will make significant changes. You're damn right I will."

In a statement released earlier in the day, Dumars said it wasn't easy.

"Decisions like this are difficult to make, especially with the success we have had throughout the last three regular seasons," president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said in a statement. "However, at this time, I feel it is necessary to make a change."

"I thank Flip for his hard work and dedication, but it is time for a new voice to lead our team."

A message seeking comment was left for Saunders on Tuesday morning.

In Saunders' three seasons, the Pistons were 176-70 in the regular season and 30-21 in the postseason, but they lost in the Eastern Conference finals each year.

Saunders had a year left on a four-year deal he signed in 2005. He replaced Larry Brown, who won a title in two trips to the league finals.

The Pistons have appeared in six straight conference finals, the first franchise to do so since the Los Angeles Lakers did it in the 1980s. But they also are the second team in league history to lose in the round prior to the NBA finals three years in a row, joining the Boston Celtics from 1953-55.

Dumars decided a year ago to bring back key players who have been together since the 2004 championship season, as well as Saunders, while infusing energy with rookies and young reserves.

But after dropping Game 6 of the East finals to Boston on Friday, it became difficult to imagine another offseason of the status quo.

"Make no mistake about it, everyone is in play right now," Dumars said. " I don't have any intention on bring the same group back, but you can't give these guys away."

Saunders could be replaced by assistants Michael Curry or Terry Porter or perhaps former Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson.

Dumars added he did recieve several calls from potential coaches already but did not name anyone.

Before coming to Detroit, Saunders was 411-326 with the Minnesota Timberwolves from 1995-2005. He led them to eight straight postseason appearances -- seven first-round exits and an appearance in the 2004 conference finals. After leading Minnesota to a franchise-high 58 wins, he was fired with a 25-26 mark in the 2004-2005 season.

Dumars ended the news conference stating, "We gotta win, period."

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