The Detroit Pistons have dismissed head coach Monty Williams after a single season, following a franchise-worst 14-68 record.
Williams, who previously led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021 and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2022, was hired by the Pistons on a six-year, $78.5 million contract—the richest ever for an NBA coach at the time.
During his tenure, the Pistons endured a historically poor season, including a 28-game losing streak—the longest single-season losing streak in NBA history—and became the 13th team in NBA history to have a winless month, going 0–15 in November.
Pistons owner Tom Gores expressed gratitude for Williams’ efforts but emphasized the need for a new direction: “We appreciate Monty’s dedication and hard work, but we feel it’s necessary to make a change as we continue to rebuild this team.”
The decision to part ways with Williams comes amid broader organizational changes, including the recent hiring of Trajan Langdon as president of basketball operations.
The Pistons hold the fifth overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and aim to bolster a young core that includes Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren.
The search for a new head coach is underway, with the organization seeking a leader who can guide the team toward a more competitive future.
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