Chris Ford, who served as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks for two seasons from 1996-98, has died at age 74, according to a family statement.

The mustachioed former Boston Celtics standout player and coach took over the Bucks in the 1996-97 season when Milwaukee signed him to a three-year contract as a replacement for Mike Dunleavy. The Bucks registered a record of 69-95 over two seasons before Ford was replaced by George Karl. At the time, it was the quickest exit of any non-interim coach in franchise history, though Ford's two teams both improved their records from the previous season.

Ford coached future Hall of Famer Ray Allen during Allen's first two seasons in the NBA, with teams that also featured Glenn Robinson and Vin Baker for one season before Baker was traded to Seattle in a three-way exchange.

Ford was selected for the job over former Toronto Raptors coach Brendan Malone. For most NBA fans, however, Ford will be remembered as a member of the Celtics organization.

An alumnus of Villanova and drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1972, Ford spent six-plus seasons in Detroit but went on to win three championships as a Celtics player and then became an assistant to K.C. Jones on Boston championship teams in 1984 and 1986.

Ford then became Celtics head coach for five seasons from 1990-95, compiling a record of 222-188 before getting fired in 1995.

Ford famously made the first 3-pointer in NBA history when the league added the 3-point line in 1979. After his time with Milwaukee, Ford briefly became head coach for the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers, finishing with a career head-coaching mark of 323-376.

"Chris was beloved by his family, friends, and teammates," the Ford family statement read. "He had a great love for his family, the city of Boston, the fans, and the entire Celtics family. He always showed humility and respect for all those that were fortunate enough to be a part of his life."

JR Radcliffe can be reached at (262) 361-9141 or jradcliffe@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JRRadcliffe.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former Celtics star, Milwaukee Bucks coach Chris Ford dies at age 74