Los Angeles - David Kahn's first order of business as Minnesota Timberwolves' new president of basketball operations was a big one, relieving Kevin McHale of his coaching duties.

McHale, who has spent 15 years with the organization, said he got the news during his third formal meeting with Kahn on Tuesday night to discuss the team's coaching job.

"He didn't really give me any reasons, other than the fact he wanted to make a change," McHale told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Kahn made the announcement during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

"He's a special guy and somebody who deeply cares about the players he coaches and he has a big heart," Kahn said. "It's a sad day when you have to do this, but I felt this was the right decision because we needed to take this course."

Kahn said he has no candidates lined up and will begin searching for a replacement the day after the upcoming June 25 NBA draft.

"Whoever the person is needs to understand that we will probably be a young team," he said. "We will probably be a team in transition that will need a positive environment to grow as quickly as possible."

T-Wolves forward Kevin Love inadvertently broke the news that McHale was out on a Twitter posting just after midnight on Wednesday.

"Today is a sad day," he wrote. "Kevin McHale will NOT be back as head coach next season."

Unaware the official announcement was forthcoming, Love added "P. S. I am not a breaking news guy. I had no idea no one knew."

McHale served as the team's vice president of basketball operations since 1995, but was stripped of his duties and returned as coach in December after Randy Wittman was fired following a 4-15 start.

Under McHale, the injury-depleted Timberwolves went 20-43, playing a majority of that schedule without young stars Al Jefferson, lost to a torn ACL in his right knee, and Randy Foye, sidelined 12 of the last 22 games with ankle and hip problems.

According to the newspaper, McHale called some old friends this morning and contemplated what his next move would be.

"I don't know," he said. "I'll find something to do. I always do."(dpa)