BOSTON -- On Sunday, a number of Red Sox players cleaned out their lockers for the last time. Yesterday, it was time for two members of the coaching staff to do the same.

Pitching coach Dave Wallace and hitting coach Ron Jackson were informed that their contracts would not be renewed for the 2007 season.

Jackson's dismissal was not a surprise. Since last season, manager Terry Francona felt the need to augment Jackson with Mike Barnett, whom Francona deemed more proficient in the technical side of hitting.

In addition, a number of Red Sox veterans had voiced their frustration over Jackson's inability to help fix swings or break them out of slumps.

"That was my decision," said Francona of the decision to not bring Jackson back. "I don't want anyone to be a scapegoat for our lack of wins. At the same time, in my position, every coach has specific (duties) and there's a very specific way I want them to be handled around here (and it's important) to be 100 percent on the same page.

"I have such high regard for Papa Jack. I just think it's time to make a change."

Under Jackson, who was hired prior to the 2003 season, the Red Sox led the league in offense from 2003 through 2005 and topped 900 runs in each of those years. But this year, the Sox ranked 12th in batting average and sixth in runs, scoring just 820.

In the second half of the season, only Tampa Bay scored fewer runs than the Sox in the American League.

Wallace's termination was less expected, if for no other reason than he missed the first four months of this season with a serious hip infection and had little input on the performance of this year's staff.

Al Nipper, who had been hired as the team's bullpen coach, took over as the interim pitching coach until the first week of August. For the second year in a row, the Sox finished 11th in the American League in team E.R.A.

Epstein labeled the decision not to renew Wallace a "mutual decision to go in a different direction. It has nothing to do with Wally's health or his talent as a pitching coach."

Epstein absolved Wallace of any blame for the poor seasons experienced by Craig Hansen or Manny Delcarmen, two of the organization's most promising young pitchers.

But the general manager cited the generally disappointing performance of the staff this season and last as motive to change the "environment." The Sox were said to be discouraged that a number of pitchers whom they obtained in recent years performed worse in Boston, but re-established themselves upon leaving the organization.

Wallace still could be retained in a consulting or advisory role, though that appears unlikely.

Epstein confirmed that bench coach Brad Mills and third-base coach DeMarlo Hale would return in their respective roles. First-base coach Bill Haselman is mulling a number of opportunities -- including a chance to become a minor-league manager -- but Epstein said the former catcher must determine which "career path" he wishes to take.

The futures of Nipper and bullpen coach Ralph Treuel also are uncertain. Nipper has been invited to apply for the vacant pitching coach position, though it seems almost certain that that post will go to someone outside the organization.

Treuel, who was elevated to bullpen coach when Nipper was promoted as Wallace's interim replacement, could return to that position. However, it's likely that the new pitching coach will want some input into that appointment.

smcadam@projo.com / (401) 277-7340