Heard Is Wizards New Coach

June 16, 1999 / 3:13 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Gar Heard was hired as coach of the Washington Wizards Wednesday, getting the job after working as an NBA assistant coach for a dozen years.

"Gar's extensive coaching background and respect he has earned from his NBA peers made him an ideal coach for this team," general manager Wes Unseld said.

The Washington Post reported that Heard signed a three-year contract worth between $1.2 million and $2 million a year.

He will replace Jim Brovelli, who was hired as interim coach April 5 after Bernie Bickerstaff was fired.

The Wizards finished 18-32 last season and failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

The 51-year-old Heard played in the NBA for 11 years. He has coached under former Washington Bullets coach Dick Motta. He worked briefly as a head coach, finishing the 1993 season as the interim coach of the Dallas Mavericks with a 9-44 record.

"I'm happy for Gar," said Mitch Richmond, whom the Wizards hope to re-sign as a free agent.

"I think he's waited his turn and he's definitely been patient. It's good to see a guy like that get an opportunity. I know he will take advantage of it."