DETROIT – Former Detroit Pistons head coach Phil "Flip" Saunders died Sunday at the age of 60..
Saunders coached the Pistons from 2006 to 2008, leading the team to a 64-18 record in 2006 and three straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
You can see a few clips of Saunders as Pistons coach below.
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The Detroit Pistons organization released the following statement this afternoon:
"It is with tremendous sorrow that the Detroit Pistons organization acknowledges the passing of Flip Saunders. He will be remembered by Pistons fans as one of the franchise's most successful head coaches - leading the club to three consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances and a franchise-record 64 wins in 2005-06. Flip was a great ambassador for the Metro Detroit community and had a positive influence on those who had the opportunity to spend time with him. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Debbie, his children Ryan, Mindy, Rachel, Kimberly and all his friends throughout the extended Detroit Pistons and NBA family."
Saunders was serving as the Minnesota Timberwolves' head coach and President of Basketball Operations. It was announced during the offseason that Saunders wouldn't return to coach the team while undergoing treatment for cancer.
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