The Houston Rockets have fired Kevin McHale after a 4-7 start.

The Rockets suffered four straight blowout losses.

McHale signed a three-year contract extension a year ago and is owed approximately $12 million.

J.B. Bickerstaff will take over as the interim head coach, with assistant Chris Finch ascending to associate head coach. Bickerstaff is considered a rising star in the coaching ranks.

"The team was not responding to Kevin McHale," said Daryl Morey. "We had to make tough call. There is no time to wait in the Western Conference."