The Detroit Pistons fired head coach Monty Williams on Wednesday (June 19) after one season, opting to absorb the $65 million he's owed for the remainder of his contract.
“Decisions like these are difficult to make, and I want to thank Monty for his hard work and dedication,” said Pistons owner Tom Gores in a news release shared on the team's official website. “Coaching has many dynamic challenges that emerge during a season and Monty always handled those with grace. However, after reviewing our performance carefully and assessing our current position as an organization, we will chart a new course moving forward.”
“I have great respect for Monty as a coach and as a person and I am certain he will be successful in his future endeavors,” added Gores. “I sincerely wish him and his family the very best.”
The Pistons finished with an NBA worst 14-68 record during Williams' lone season with the franchise. The 52-year-old has a 381-404 career record, having previously served as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns from 2019 to 2023 and the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans from 2010 to 2015.
Gores confirmed that the Pistons' head coaching search would begin immediately.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to bring a championship-caliber team to Detroit,” he said. “We will be diligent and swift in our search for a new head coach to lead our exciting young core of players and will continue our vision towards building a best-in-class front office that will help us achieve sustainable success.”