AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Dave Cowens joined the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday as an assistant coach, leaving his job as coach and general manager of the WNBA's Chicago Sky.

A Hall of Fame center with the Boston Celtics in the 1970s, Cowens' last NBA coaching job was with the Golden State Warriors from 2000-02.

"We are pleased to add Dave Cowens to our coaching staff," said Joe Dumars, Pistons president of basketball operations. "His experience as a Hall of Fame player and head coach in this league will be an asset for our team."

The Sky said they have begun a search for Cowens' successor.

Cowens also served as a player/coach for the 1978-79 Celtics and rejoined the NBA coaching ranks in 1997 with the Charlotte Hornets.