Glendale, AZ (My Sportsbook) - The Phoenix Coyotes have fired head coach Bob Francis. Coyotes assistant coach Rick Bowness will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2003-04 season.

"We felt that it was time for a change in direction," said general manager Michael Barnett. "Sometimes, good coaches get replaced. Bob is a good coach and we wish him all the best in the future."

In five seasons as head coach of the Coyotes, Francis posted a record of 165-144-60-21 in 390 games. Francis leaves the organization as the all-time leader in wins and games coached. In 2001-02, the 44-year-old Saskatchewan native was named coach of the year as the Coyotes went 40-27-9-6 with 95 points. The Coyotes hired Francis as head coach on June 16, 1999.

The Coyotes are presently 20-25-15-3 and in last place in the Pacific Division.

Bowness is in his fifth season as an assistant coach with the Coyotes and his 21st season of coaching in professional hockey. Bowness previously served as a head coach with four NHL clubs including Winnipeg (1988-89), Boston (1991-92), Ottawa (1992-93 to 1995-96) and the New York Islanders (1996-97 to 1997-98).

"Rick is a proven NHL coach with a wealth of hockey knowledge," Barnett said. "He is an excellent communicator and has a good history of working with young players. We are confident that Rick and his coaching staff will do a great job in preparing our players as we strive to make the playoffs."

Prior to his coaching career, Bowness played seven seasons (1975-82) in the NHL as a right wing with Atlanta, Detroit, St. Louis and Winnipeg.