Nationals fire manager Matt Williams

After a disappointing 2015 season, the Washington Nationals fired manager Matt Williams and his entire coaching staff.

Williams was in charge for two years, leading the Nationals to the playoffs in 2014 and earned Manager of the Year accolades, but the 96-win team crashed out in the division series.

Entering 2015, the Nationals were regarded as a World Series favorite, but injuries and underachieving players doomed the team, which finished 83-79, seven games behind the New York Mets in the National League East.

"This was the first of the decisions we needed to make as we meticulously evaluate why the 2015 season didn't go the way we hoped," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said on a conference call Monday afternoon.

Williams constantly came under fire late in the season for his management of the bullpen, bunting philosophy and last week, how he handled a fight between Jonathan Papelbon and Bryce Harper in the dugout.

"Not one single incident was the tripping point of making the decision," Rizzo said.

Asked about what characteristics he desires in the next manager, Rizzo cited "leadership qualities, knowledge of the game and Xs and Os" as important factors.

GALLERY: MLB managerial carousel