LOS ANGELES >> Vinny Del Negro will be back as coach of the Los Angeles Clippers next season.

The team said Tuesday that it has exercised its contract option on him to return for a third season. Del Negro led the Clippers to a 40-26 record during the lockout-shortened season and the second round of the playoffs, where they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs.

Their winning percentage of 60.6 this season was the highest in franchise history.

Del Negro has a 72-76 record in two seasons with the team.

He came under pressure in March after the Clippers lost three consecutive games, but they responded by winning 13 of their next 15 games on the way to making the playoffs for the first time in six years.