New Orleans Pelicans fire head coach Monty Williams

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Before the beginning of this near-ending NBA season, the New Orleans Pelicans front office informed head coach Monty Williams that he would be relieved of his duties if his team failed to make the playoffs. When the Pelicans did make the playoffs, it was assumed that Monty was off the hot seat and his spot as head coach was locked in. That would fail to be the case;  New Orleans has officially fired Williams despite the franchises’ first playoff appearance since Chris Paul became a Los Angeles Clipper.

Williams had been the head coach of New Orleans for the past five years, finishing with just two playoff appearances and an overall 173-221 record. Monty was also criticized for being a questionable head coach at times and lacking in numerous areas needed to be a successful NBA head coach. Williams has also served as an assistant coach for the USA National Team under coach Mike Krzyzewski since 2012, where he’s helped young superstar Anthony Davis develop.

The Pelicans seem to have a bright future ahead of them, with a roster full of talent. It is a situation that can quickly turn south for the team if it’s not played correctly. The team is ready to offer All-Star Anthony Davis, who finished fifth overall in the NBA MVP voting, a contract extension that will likely make him the highest played player in the NBA. Omer Asik and Norris Cole, two players that were  key to the team’s impressive turnaround, are unrestricted free agents that are vital for the Pelicans future. Not to mention trade rumors continue to hover around guys like Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday.

All of that awaits in the future, however, now the team must focus on finding a new head coach. It will be interesting to see where the Pelicans go in terms of the coaching pool goes. Williams joins Scott Brooks on the list of head coaches to get the boot before the playoffs even end.