JUST IN: Pistons confirmed major $67.5 million coach decision
On one side of the scale: Monty Williams just managed the worst season in Detroit Pistons history, finishing 14-68, including a historic 28-game losing streak marked by puzzling rotation choices and minimal player development.
On the other side of the scale: Owner Tom Gores had given Williams the most lucrative coaching contract in the league at that time, with five years and $67.5 million still owed.
Gores made the decision on Tuesday night to fire Monty Williams as head coach, a story first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and later confirmed by multiple sources. Although new team president Trajan Langdon had the authority to dismiss Williams, the substantial financial commitment and Gores’ strong support for Williams a year ago meant the decision was always going to rest with the owner.
Williams initially declined the Pistons’ offer last summer after being let go by Phoenix (another ownership decision by Mat Ishbia), citing a desire to spend time with his wife Lisa following her cancer diagnosis. However, as her early treatment showed positive results and Gores continued to increase his offer, Williams eventually accepted the position.
The subsequent season saw the Pistons once again finish with the NBA’s worst record and experience a historic losing streak. The young team showed little development or promise for the future. This led to a front office shakeup with Troy Weaver out and Langdon in, though a coaching change was uncertain due to the financial implications.
Candidates for the coaching position include James Borrego, who has a strong relationship with Langdon from their time in New Orleans and is a frontrunner for the Cleveland Cavaliers job while still being considered for the Los Angeles Lakers position. Other potential candidates are Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Knicks assistant Johnny Bryant, and Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney, who previously worked with the Pistons and has a strong track record in player development, notably with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.
The new coach will need to focus on developing key players like Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duran, Ausar Thompson, and Jaden Ivey, as well as whoever the Pistons select with the No. 5 pick in the upcoming draft.