Why this prolific college coach joining the Pistons could work

Staley loves a challenge 

Another question regarding a possible match between the Pistons and Staley is, why would one of the greatest coaches ever — men's or women's — leave South Carolina to coach of all teams, the fledgling Pistons?

During Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals, Staley revealed that challenges are what built her coaching career. Having never envisioned holding the job title, she accepted an appeal in 2000 from Temple University in her hometown of Philadelphia to turn around their women's program while still an active WNBA player.

Before Staley's arrival, Temple had made the NCAA Tournament only once (1989), but they earned a bid in six of her eight seasons and won the A-10 tournament four times. Then, it was off to crush a new challenge at South Carolina.

Perhaps Detroit is next. 

Pistons owner could sway decision

Last year, Tom Gores did what it took to get his man, making a "Godfather" offer to Monty Williams, who was seemingly uninterested in returning to the bench after parting ways with the Phoenix Suns. If motivated enough to get Staley, he could use a similar tactic. 

In October 2021, Staley inked a seven-year, $22.4M extension with South Carolina that will run through the 2027-28 season. Compared to the six-year, $78M contract given to Williams, the three-time NCAA champion could be in for a significant payday at the next level. 

Money won't likely be the only motivator. But that, paired with a historic opportunity that could mark a turning point in sports as a whole, might be too much to pass up.