The Cleveland Cavaliers have sacked head coach Mike Brown following the team's disappointing campaign.

Brown's first spell in charge of the Cavaliers ended in 2010, and his latest 13-month reign has come to an end after owner Dan Gilbert decided to act due to the franchise's inability to reach the playoffs this season.

"This is a very tough business," Gilbert said in a statement. "It pains all of us here that we needed to make the difficult decision of releasing Mike Brown. Mike worked hard over this last season to move our team in the right direction.

"Although, there was some progress from our finish over the few prior seasons, we believe we need to head in a different direction. We wish Mike and his family nothing but the best."

David Griffin has been kept on as the franchise's general manager despite Brown's departure.