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NBA: Former Head Coaches Who Deserve Another Chance

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson and current ESPN commentator smiles before the start of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson and current ESPN commentator smiles before the start of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 19, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA assistant coach Monty Williams talks to guard Kyrie Irving (10) and guard Kevin Durant (5) during a practice at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 19, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA assistant coach Monty Williams talks to guard Kyrie Irving (10) and guard Kevin Durant (5) during a practice at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

Monty Williams

Years Active: 2010 to 2015
Team(s): New Orleans Pelicans
Regular Season Record: 173-221 (.439)
Postseason Record: 2-8 (.200)

The decision to fire New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams was one of the most unpopular in franchise history. Following the departure of franchise player Chris Paul, New Orleans improved its record in four consecutive seasons under Williams’ reign.

Despite leading the Pelicans to the 2015 NBA Playoffs, Williams was canned and replaced by Alvin Gentry.

Williams wasn’t the greatest strategist in the NBA, but he was growing with a young team. In the final year of his Pelicans coaching career, he led the Pelicans to the first postseason appearance of the post-Paul era.

Many were shocked when Dell Demps fired Williams, and New Orleans missing the playoffs in 2015-16 only adds to the mystery.

Williams is currently an assistant coach to Billy Donovan with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He’s adored by his players and respected by his peers, and is still only 44 years of age—a sign that he can progress and improve as a strategist.

Despite leading the Pelicans to an 11-win improvement from 2013-14 to 2014-15, Williams was fired. Whenever he’s ready to be a head coach again, Williams deserves a chance to grow with a young team and develop into the great coach that he’s capable of becoming.

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