The Philadelphia Wings cleaned house behind the bench Monday, relieving Lindsay Sanderson his duties as head coach and firing all three assistants, including Sanderson's brother and nephew.

Sanderson will remain with the team as general manager, a position he has held since being hired as head coach in June 2004.

"This decision was a difficult one, but we did not feel that the team made reasonable progress this past season," Wings co-owner Russ Cline said.

"We are very appreciative of the dedicated service of the coaches and believe that they have built a talented roster with outstanding potential. Lindsay will lead our search for a new head coach that will begin immediately."

In three seasons as the Wings' head coach, Sanderson posted a 21-27 record with no playoff appearances. Prior to joining the Wings, Sanderson had been head coach of the Ottawa Rebel in 2004 (posting a 3-8 record) and was an assistant coach with the Montreal Express and Toronto Rock.

Fired outright in today's purge were assistant coaches Terry Sanderson, Lindsay's brother; Chris Sanderson, their nephew and a former Wings goaltender; and Gregg MacDonald.

The latter two men had been with the Wings for Lindsay Sanderson's entire tenure as head coach. Terry Sanderson joined the team last summer after being fired as head coach of the Toronto Rock.