NBA's Phoenix Suns fire coach Hornacek

The slumping Phoenix Suns have axed head coach Jeff Hornacek, the National Basketball Association team has announced.

Hornacek had been in charge since May 2013.

"The Phoenix Suns have relieved Jeff Hornacek of his duties as head coach following his two-plus seasons in the position," the team said in a statement on Monday.

The Suns have lost 19 of their past 21 games, during which time they have been missing several key players.

Hornacek's teams compiled a 101-112 win-loss record, including a 14-35 mark this season.

In his inaugural season in 2013-14 the Suns went 48-34, followed by a 39-43 record last season.

Hornacek, 52, played six years in Phoenix during his career as a shooting guard.

The Suns are planning to have an interim head coach in place for Tuesday's home game against Toronto.