The Detroit Pistons have made the decision to part ways with coach Monty Williams after just one season, despite having to absorb the remaining $65 million on his contract. This move was directed from the ownership level, with both Tom Gores and Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem advocating for Williams’ dismissal. New Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, who had been meeting regularly with Williams about the franchise’s future since his hiring a month ago, delivered the news to Williams on Wednesday morning.
When Williams was initially lured to Detroit by Gores with a historic six-year, $78 million contract, he was tasked with leading the Pistons through a massive rebuild. Despite planning to sit out the season due to his wife’s cancer diagnosis, Williams was enticed by Gores’ offer and decided to take on the challenge. Unfortunately, the Pistons struggled under Williams’ leadership, tying an NBA record with a 28-game losing streak and finishing with a league-worst 14-68 record. Over the past five seasons, the Pistons have amassed a dismal 94-290 (.245) record, making them easily the worst team in the league.
With the draft and free agency looming, the Pistons find themselves in an inopportune position to conduct a coaching search. Despite recently agreeing to terms with New Orleans Pelicans assistant Fred Vinson as a prominent assistant coach, the Pistons now need to find a new head coach. Vinson had history with both Williams and Langdon in New Orleans, but the Pistons will now have to look elsewhere for leadership. As the Pistons begin their coaching search, they are faced with the challenge of competing with other teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers, who are also in the process of making coaching decisions.
While Williams’ tenure with the Pistons was short-lived, his previous coaching experience is worth noting. He reached the NBA Finals as coach of the Suns in 2021-22, leading the team to a 64-18 regular-season record. In his four seasons with the Suns, Williams compiled a solid 194-115 (.628) record. Prior to his time in Phoenix, Williams spent five seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he posted a 173-221 (.439) record and led the team to a playoff appearance.
The Detroit Pistons’ decision to part ways with Monty Williams marks the end of a brief but tumultuous chapter in the team’s history. As they look to move forward and rebuild once again, the Pistons will need to carefully consider their next coaching hire in order to instill a sense of stability and success within the organization.
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