New Orleans Pelicans Fire Monty Williams

What happens when your NBA teams eeks out enough victories to make it to the eighth seed for the playoffs, only to be swept by the Warriors in the first round? If you’re New Orleans Pelicans head coach, Monty Williams, you lose your job.

The Pelicans announced the firing of Williams on Monday. Williams served as the team’s head coach for five years. During that time, his record was 172-221 – and that doesn’t include the bigger loss of Chris Paul, and all the drama surrounding the infamous vetoed Laker trade. The Pelicans reached the playoffs twice during Williams tenure.

Pelicans Senior Vice President of Basketball Operation/ General Manager Dell Demps had this to say,

“We thank Monty for his dedication and leadership to our team both on and off the court. He served as a great role model for our young team and worked tirelessly towards the development of all of our players. We endured a lot of change during the past season and Monty was a steady influence in our locker room. We wish him and his family nothing but the best.”