Pistons coach Dwane Casey is moving off the bench and into a front-office role, he told reporters after the season finale on Sunday.
Casey said he reached the decision with Pistons owner Tom Gores. Detroit finished 17-65 in Casey’s fifth year on the sideline.
“Tom is giving me an opportunity to move into the front office,” Casey said, via Jamal Collier of ESPN. “I’m excited to go to the next phase of my life. Time to spend more time with my family. This team is on the right track. They probably need to hear a new voice. This is my decision.”
Overall, the Pistons went 121-263 under Casey, making the playoffs once.
“Hopefully my legacy will be the growth of this program from these young guys and getting a foundation,” Casey said. “But not through the wins and losses. I don’t care who you bring in, if you have a young team, this league is not forgiving on wins and losses. I’m not trying to run away from that.”
Former Pistons star and current Vanderbilt coach Jerry Stackhouse has mentioned as a possibility to replace Casey, though at this point that is considered speculation.
“I’m excited about the new adventure,” Casey said. “I’m excited to learn from [general manager Troy Weaver] and the front office, to contribute in any way I can and any area I can. We got a lot of work to do.”
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