Cincinnati, OH (My Sportsbook) - The Cincinnati Reds fired manager Bob Boone and general manager Jim Bowden on Monday. Dave Miley will take over as interim manager for the remainder of this season.

The team also dismissed hitting coach Tom Robson and third base coach Tim Foli.

The Reds are 47-58 this season and in fifth place in the National League Central, 10 games behind first-place Houston.

Reds Chief Operating Officer John Allen noted there wasn't just one factor that led to the changes in personnel.

"Certainly the fact that we were in contention at 2 1/2 games out several weeks ago and you look where we are today possibly sped up the process a little bit," said Allen. "I can't pinpoint any one specific item.

Miley, a 23-year veteran of the Reds' organization, will join the team Tuesday. Bench coach Ray Knight managed the Reds Monday afternoon to a 6-5, 10-inning win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Great American Ball Park. Beginning Tuesday, Knight will work as the club's hitting coach and third base coach.

Bullpen catcher Mark Berry will serve as a bench coach.

Bowden and Boone were in the final years of their contracts. Bowden was not replaced. An extensive search to permanently fill the field manager and general manager positions will begin immediately and reflect the affirmative hiring policies of the Reds and Major League Baseball. The team does not expect to fill either spot until after the 2003 World Series.

"Certain candidates out there are employed by their teams," said Allen. "You have very strict tampering rules which we will be very cognizant of and certainly abide by all the major league rules and regulations in that regard. Certainly I would anticipate that some of the candidates for both positions are currently with teams that may or may not be in the playoffs and you wouldn't be able to talk to them anyway."

Boone was named the franchise's 56th manager in November 2000 and compiled an overall mark of 190-238 for the Reds.

The 55-year-old Boone also spent three seasons as the skipper of the Kansas City Royals (1995-97). His lifetime record as a major league manager is 371-444.

Bowden was named general manager in October 1992. During his 11 seasons, the Reds made just one playoff appearance and finished above .500 only four times. He guided the club for a few years under the ownership of Marge Schott and was credited with bringing Ken Griffey Jr. to the Reds in a February 2000 trade with Seattle. Griffey is expected to miss the remainder of this season with a torn tendon in his right ankle.

The 41-year-old Miley had been the organization's Triple-A skipper since 1996 and posted an overall record of 610-506. He joins Cincinnati from Louisville of the International League, where he was managing for the fourth consecutive season. Prior to that, he had a four-year stint with Triple-A Indianapolis.

It's been a tough year on the mound and in the field for the Reds. They lead the majors with 100 errors and rank last in the majors in fielding percentage. Additionally, their team ERA is last in the National League.

"The defensive play, ERA of the team, those type of statistics I find them embarrassing," said Allen. "I would hope our players find them embarrassing."