Blackhawks Fire Head Coach

CHICAGO--Dirk Graham, who was known as a hard-hitting forward when he played for the Chicago Blackhawks but who led them to their worst record in 42 years as coach, was fired yesterday.

Assistant coach Lorne Molleken will replace Graham as interim coach, the team announced. Denis Savard will stay on as assistant coach.

Graham, just 59 games into his frist season as coach, will remain with the Blackhawks organization, team officials said. His new position was unclear.

Graham had little coaching experience when he was hired by the Blackhawks last June. He had spent just one season, 1995-96, as an assistant.

But at the time of Graham's appointment, general manager Bob Murray insisted that Graham's demeanor in the locker room as a player and captain of the Blackhawks was what mattered. Graham was known for motivating his teammates when he played for the Blackhawks from 1988 to 1995.