Pistons make decision on head coach Monty Williams’ future

Apr 19, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams reacts during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans during game two of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It has been barely a year since the Detroit Pistons made Monty Williams one of the highest-paid coaches in NBA history, but the franchise has already decided to go in another direction.

Williams was fired by the Pistons on Wednesday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports. He has five years and more than $65 million remaining on his contract, but Woj says new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon wants to make his own head coach hire.

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

Many were surprised when the Phoenix Suns fired Williams last year, as he was named NBA Coach of the Year the previous season and led the Suns to the playoffs three straight years. After flirting with the idea of taking a year off, Williams signed a massive 6-year, $78.5 million deal with Detroit. It is unclear if Phoenix agreed to some sort of buyout with the 52-year-old coach, but they will owe him a ton of money either way.

Detroit went 15-67 this season, and there was talk of some tension between Williams and his players.

It seemed like the Pistons were planning to keep Williams after they recently hired an assistant with whom Williams shares a history, but they are opting for a change following a fifth straight losing season.