The San Jose Stealth today fired head coach Walt Christianson, ending a three-year run in which the club rose from the league's worst record to a first-place finish this past season.

No reason was given for the dismissal, which apparently took Christianson by surprise.

"I was committed to coaching the Stealth through the 2009 season, but I respect the team management's decision," Christianson said. "I have truly enjoyed my three years in San Jose, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players coaches, fans, ownership group and management."

In 2005, the season prior to Christianson's arrival, San Jose posted a league-worst 4-12 record under coach Johnny Mouradian. The Stealth improved only slightly in Christianson's first season, to 5-11, but produced consecutive 9-7 finishes the past two seasons.

"Walt is a friend, so decisions like this for our organization are not easy," Mouradian, now president and general manager of the Stealth, said. "We have a great deal of respect for Walt and the amount of time and energy he invested in the Stealth. We thank him and his family."

The Stealth plans to name a new head coach later this week, with reports suggesting that former Calgary Roughnecks coach Jeff Dowling will get the nod.

Dowling has a lengthy lacrosse resume in a variety of roles, but only seven games worth of experience as an NLL head coach. Taking over in Calgary midway through the 2007 season, Dowling guided the Riggers to a 4-3 finish and a playoff berth.

This past season, Dowling was on the bench, as an assistant coach, for the Buffalo Bandits' first championship since 1996.