The Detroit Pistons have undergone some significant organizational changes this offseason but are expected to retain Monty Williams as their head coach for the upcoming NBA season.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Williams is “likely” to continue in his role with the Pistons, even after a difficult 2023-24 season. Williams, hired by Detroit before the season, has a five-year, $80 million contract.
The Pistons had a poor season, finishing with a 14-68 record, the worst in the NBA. They endured a 28-game losing streak early in the season. Instead of netting them a top overall pick, they dropped from first to fifth in the NBA Draft lottery.
Detroit hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2018-19 season and had a 17-64 record in 2022-23. Williams could not spark any notable progress, often drawing criticism for being unable to get the most out of young players like Jaden Ivey, who the franchise invested in with the No. 5 overall pick.
There was already a growing spotlight on Williams, considering his failure to maintain a positive working relationship with Deandre Ayton during his time as the Phoenix Suns’ head coach. If he cannot turn things around in 2024-25 with a young team, it’s natural to begin questioning his ability to get the job done altogether in Detroit.
Speculation about Williams’ job security increased when the Pistons appointed Trajan Langdon as the new president of basketball operations, giving him the power to make further changes. Despite this, the team will continue with Williams at the helm for now.
Williams’ previous success with the Suns, where he led the team to a 194-115 record and a trip to the NBA Finals in 2021, likely plays a role in Detroit’s decision to retain him. His substantial contract also suggests the organization will give him more time to turn things around since the alternative is to pay dead money to a coach while the team rebuilds.
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