With a disappointing season spiraling downward into a battle for pride and lottery ping pong balls, the Bucks fired coach Terry Stotts today and replaced him with assistant coach Larry Krystkowiak.

Krystkowiak, 42, signed a multiyear deal to become the 10th coach in franchise history. He will make his debut with a game against San Antonio Thursday night at the Bradley Center.

"Larry Krystkowiak brings the same competitive fire from his days as a player to his work on the sidelines and on the practice court as a coach," general manager Larry Harris said in announcing the move.

"His knowledge of the game and his ability to work well with players is a tremendous asset to our organization. He also has a successful track record as a head coach in both the college ranks and the CBA. We're excited to move ahead with Larry as our new head coach."

Krystkowiak, who left a job as head coach at the University of Montana to join Stotts' staff this season, interviewed for the vacant job at the University of Utah on Tuesday, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. That, coupled with some lethargic play on the court, likely prompted the Bucks to fire Stotts.

"Terry has done the best he could in a difficult situation, especially with all of our injuries," general manager Larry Harris said in a statement. "I felt it was in the best interest of our organization to make the decision now and move forward, rather than wait until the end of the regular season. I want to thank Terry for his hard work and dedication to our team, and wish him well."

In fewer than two seasons as head coach of the Bucks, Stotts compiled a 63-83 record (.432). He guided the team to the playoffs last season, but this year's team, ravaged by injuries to key players like Bobby Simmons, Michael Redd, Mo Williams and recently Earl Boykins and Dan Gadzuric, scuffled to a 23-41 mark.

"I want to thank Senator Kohl and Larry Harris for giving me the opportunity to coach in Milwaukee," Stotts in a release. "I understand this is a part of the business and I wish the Bucks organization well in the future."

Krystkowiak, who spent five seasons as a Bucks player, joined Stotts' staff last summer after two seasons as head coach at the University of Montana, where his team posted a 42-20 record and qualified for the NCAA Tournament. He also coached a year With the Idaho Stampede in the CBA.

"I'm extremely excited to have been given the chance to lead and develop such a young and talented team," Krystkowiak said in a statement. "I want to thank Senator Kohl and Larry Harris for this terrific opportunity. Becoming an NBA head coach was my number one goal when I went into coaching and I welcome the challenges that lie ahead of me. This team has a great deal of potential and I'm eager to more forward.

"I would also be remiss if I did not thank Terry Stotts for the opportunity he gave me by bringing me to Milwaukee as an assistant. He believed in my abilities and for that I'm grateful."

Bogut fined: Bucks center Andrew Bogut was fined $25,000 for making an obscene gesture to a fan while leaving the court Monday at the Bradley Center.

The incident happened after Bogut was ejected following a flagrant foul against Toronto's Chris Bosh with 49 seconds left. As he left the court, Bogut was heckled by a fan and responded with an obscene gesure.

"Our fans have been very supportive of me since I came to Milwaukee and they certainly didn't deserve my reaction coming off the court," Bogut said. "I got caught up in the heat of the moment and let my emotions get the best of me."