Auburn Hills, MI (Best E Casino) - The Detroit Pistons introduced Michael Curry as the club's new head coach at a Tuesday afternoon press conference.

According to the Detroit News, Curry agreed to a three-year contract worth $7.5 million with a club option for a fourth season.

Curry, who will turn 40 in August, replaces the recently dismissed Flip Saunders, who found himself unemployed last Tuesday after a third consecutive Eastern Conference finals exit in the playoffs. He had one year left on the four-year deal he signed in 2005.

An assistant with the Pistons under Saunders last season, Curry also played for six seasons with the franchise in two separate stints. He played with the club from 1995-97 and again from 1999-2003.

"I'm exited, I'm anxious," Curry said. "Having been here this past year and following things closely since I was a player, sometimes you realize how close you are. I'm anxious to get started and close that gap in whatever area it is that we need to make sure we get a championship."

A former president of the NBA Players Association, Curry also served one year as the vice president of the NBA Developmental League before joining the Pistons' coaching staff for the 2007-08 season.

The 11-year NBA veteran averaged 4.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 667 career games.

"Obviously he is going to have to make adjustments as a first time coach," Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said. "But, what (Curry) is not going to have to adjust on is who he is and what he stands on. Leadership, accountability, toughness...those things stand out about Michael."