Phil Jackson has finished his reign as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers three days after watching his team stumble to shock defeat in the NBA finals.
The 58-year-old, one of the most successful coaches in American sports history, was unable to stop the Detroit Pistons from muscling their way to a 4-1 series win.
And the man known as the "Zen Master" chose to walk away, having won three NBA rings with LA, to add to six collected with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s.
"The experience of the past five years has been great," said Jackson.
"Three rings and a fourth opportunity makes this a bittersweet ending, but it's time to pause and reflect.
"I'm appreciative of all the Lakers, the organization, the fans and owner Jerry Buss."
Jackson's announcement followed a meeting with Buss, while reports suggested that Lakers stars Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant may be set to follow their coach out of the franchise.
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