The Phoenix Suns, who finished with the...

The Phoenix Suns, who finished with the second-worst record in the 20 years of the National Basketball Assn. franchise, fired Coach John Wetzel. But Sun President Jerry Colangelo said Wetzel’s record had nothing to do with it.

“John Wetzel is not being replaced because of the record that we had . . . nor is he being made a scapegoat in any way, shape or form,” Colangelo said.

Colangelo cited a need for a “different type of leadership heading into the future.” He said no decision has been made regarding the next coach.

Wetzel took over as head coach in April, 1987, after eight years as an assistant to John MacLeod, who was fired in February of 1987. Under Wetzel this season, the Suns finished with a 28-54 record, the worst since the 16-66 finish in the expansion season of 1968-69.