Official announcement from the Detroit Pistons or major sports news outlets like ESPN or NBA.com

Detroit Pistons Fire Head Coach Monty Williams After One Season, Owing $65 Million

Jun 19, 2024, 01:35 PM

The Detroit Pistons have dismissed head coach Monty Williams after just one season. Williams, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, was hired with a significant six-year, $78.5 million deal after leaving the Phoenix Suns, initially planning to take a year off due to his wife's cancer diagnosis. Despite his substantial contract, Williams was let go after the Pistons finished the season with the worst record in the league at 14-68, securing only 14 wins. Williams leaves with five years and over $65 million remaining on his contract. The decision to fire Williams was made at the ownership level, and new President Trajan Langdon will now look to hire a new coach. Williams had taken on the Pistons' rebuild under Troy Weaver.