Rod Higgins abruptly stepped down as president of basketball operations for the Charlotte Hornets.

he news release came shortly after Game 4 of the NBA Finals had ended, an unusual move without much clarification offered for the abruptness.

Rich Cho will remain general manager and assume responsibility for the team's basketball operations. He will report to Michael Jordan and Vice Chairman Curtis Polk.

"I would like to thank Rod for his seven years of dedication to this organization," Hornets owner Michael Jordan said in the release. "Rod has been a consummate professional throughout his time with the team. Thanks to his hard work and commitment, we have an improved roster and we are poised for success in the future. Rod was of great help to me as I navigated my first four years as majority owner of this franchise. I wish him all the best."

Higgins has been with Charlotte since 2007.

A source told the Observer that Higgins was offered a contract but he chose not to accept it. It is unclear if the contract included a change of responsibilities.