Brown lost LeBron as an ally, and it helped cost him his job

The Cleveland Cavaliers fired coach Mike Brown Monday. It was an expected move that has everything to do with keeping the franchise appealing to free agent-to-be LeBron James.

"After a long and deep analysis of all the factors that led to the disappointing early ends to our playoff runs over the past two seasons, we concluded that it was time for the Cavaliers to move in a different direction," Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said in a statement released by the team. "The expectations of this organization are very high and, although chance always carries an element of risk, there are times when that risk must be taken in an attempt to break through to new, higher levels of accomplishment. This is one of those times."

Brown coached five seasons with the Cavaliers and posted an impressive record of 272-138 (.663 winning percentage). The team reached the NBA Finals in 2007 but was swept by the San Antonio Spurs. Since then, despite winning more than 60 games in each of the last two seasons (including a franchise-record 66 wins in 2008-09), the Cavaliers have not had the same success in the postseason.

After losing to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals in 2008-09, the Cavs were knocked out of this season's playoffs in the second round by the Boston Celtics.

But more significant than failed championship aspirations is the indication that Brown obviously had lost James as an ally in the locker room. James was often in disagreement with Brown about the offense - not one of the defensive-minded Brown's strengths - and rotations.

After a Game 4 loss in Boston that tied the series at 2, James questioned why Brown didn't have Shaquille O'Neal in the game in the fourth quarter. It wasn't uncommon for James to argue with Brown about his decision-making during a timeout in front of teammates.

It should be noted that James endorsed Brown when he was hired June 2, 2005. Paul Silas was fired by the Cavs during the 2004-05 season.

Will James have a say in his next coach? The two-time MVP can opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Cavaliers are expected to consider more offensive-minded coaches, but few experienced ones are available. One of the best available experienced coaches, Doug Collins, already has accepted the 76ers' head-coaching job.

You can expect the John Calipari rumors to resurface. Calipari and James have a personal relationship and a connection with well-known NBA attaché William "Worldwide Wes" Wesley. Sources have indicated that Wesley's goal is to put Calipari and James together - with openings in Chicago and New Jersey as destinations - though Calipari has denied any interest in leaving Kentucky for the NBA.