The Detroit Pistons have made a significant decision, firing head coach Monty Williams after just one season. The move comes following a disastrous season that saw the team finish with an NBA-worst 14-68 record.
In a statement, Pistons owner Tom Gores acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, thanking Williams for his hard work and dedication. He explained that while Williams handled the challenges of coaching with grace, the team’s performance prompted a reevaluation and the need for a new direction.
This firing marks a dramatic shift for Williams, who signed a six-year, $78.5 million contract with the Pistons in 2023. Notably, this contract was the richest ever given to an NBA coach at the time. The team is currently undergoing a front office rebuild, having hired Trajan Langdon as president of basketball operations and parting ways with general manager Troy Weaver. The head coach position now adds to the vacancies within the organization.
Williams’ coaching career has been marked by both triumphs and sudden departures. In 2021, he led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals, only to be fired in 2023 after a successful tenure. His 2022 season was highlighted by a runaway victory in the NBA Coach of the Year voting.
The Pistons’ decision to fire Williams is a reflection of their disastrous season. The team started with a promising 2-1 record, but went on to lose 28 consecutive games, setting a new record for the longest losing streak in a single season in NBA history. The team’s struggles continued throughout the season, ultimately leading to a record-breaking 39 double-digit losses.
The Pistons’ vacancy is the third active one in the NBA, with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers also searching for new coaches. The timing of the firing comes just a week before the NBA draft, where the Pistons hold the fifth overall pick. This draft presents an opportunity to further enhance the team’s young core, which includes Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren. These three players were the only Pistons to start at least 60 games last season.
Despite the recent challenges, Gores expressed unwavering commitment to building a championship-caliber team in Detroit. The team is actively seeking a new head coach to lead their young players and continue their vision of establishing a top-tier front office that will contribute to sustainable success.
