The Detroit Pistons dismissed head coach Monty Williams on Wednesday morning following just one season with the team, sources told ESPN.
The Pistons fired Williams with $65 million still owed to him over the next five years, according to Adrian Wojnarowski’s report. The six-year deal Williams signed prior to the 2023-2024 made him a top-five highest-paid coach in the league.
The decision to fire Williams was made by the Pistons’ ownership, sources have told Wojnarowski since the initial report. (RELATED: REPORT: Indiana Pacers Forward Pascal Siakam To Sign Max Deal With Team)
ESPN Sources: After one season, the Detroit Pistons have dismissed coach Monty Williams — who leaves with five years and $65M-plus left on his deal. New President Trajan Langdon will move to make his own coaching hire now. pic.twitter.com/QHKivQS5o2
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2024
The two-time NBA Coach of The Year left the Phoenix Suns for Detroit following the 2022-2023 season. Over four seasons in Phoenix, Williams earned a 194-115 record, including an NBA Finals appearance in 2021. He also previously coached the New Orleans Hornets, who became the Pelicans two years into his tenure, for five seasons, totaling a record of 173-221 with the franchise.
The star coach was originally expected to sit out the 2023-2024 season as his wife battled cancer, but the Pistons were able to lure him in with their massive contract offer, Wojnarowski reports.
Williams’ first and only season with the Pistons was a disaster. The team finished 14-68, including a brutal, NBA-record 28-game losing streak.
Williams now hits the open market as the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers search for their next coaches.
