Pistons: Monty Williams 'Blindsided' by Abrupt Firing, Was Already Preparing for 2024-25 NBA Season

Monty Williams - Detroit Pistons v Phoenix Suns
(Photo : Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - Head coach Monty Williams of the Detroit Pistons reacts during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on February 14, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Detroit Pistons have dismissed their head coach, Monty Williams, after just one season at the helm.

The 52-year-old reportedly did not expect the move despite the team finishing with a franchise-worst 14-68 record in the regular season, also the worst in the entire NBA during that campaign.

"Monty Williams was certainly blindsided today by the timing of his dismissal. He had been in meetings with their new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon for weeks preparing for next season," league insider Adrian Wojnarowski said.

The Pistons recently hired former NBA player Fred Vinson as an assistant coach. With the 2024 NBA Draft and free agency looming, they are one of three teams in the league without a head coach, alongside the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Read more: Los Angeles Clippers Head Coach Ty Lue's Coaching Staff Gets Boost From Championship-Winning Celtics

However, the Pistons are starting from scratch with their coaching search, while the Lakers and Cavaliers are in the final stages of their quest for a new head coach.

Monty Williams' firing made by Pistons' owners

Team governor Tom Gores and team vice chairman Arn Tellem decided to fire Williams.

Newly-hired Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon delivered the news to Williams on Wednesday morning, June 18. 

Williams is just one year removed from signing a six-year contract worth $78.5 million with Detroit, the largest coaching contract in NBA history.

Related Article: Boston Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla Reveals Exact Advice From Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola Regarding Game Plan    

© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Real Time Analytics