Detroit Pistons Fire Stan Van Gundy
May 7, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:27 am
(Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
by Matt George – Sports 1140 KHTK Reporter
After four seasons serving as the Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations for the Detroit Pistons, Stan Van Gundy was fired this morning.
Source: Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons have parted ways.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 7, 2018
Van Gundy met with Pistons officials within the hour and now team moves onto a search for a new President of Basketball Operations and coach. Those jobs will be separated now.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 7, 2018
“We have decided that this change is necessary to take our basketball organization to the next level,” said Pistons owner Tom Gores. “This was a very difficult decision and we did not come to it lightly. I am grateful to Stan for everything he’s done for the Pistons and for the City of Detroit. He rebuilt the culture of our basketball team, re-instilled a winning attitude and work ethic, and took us to the playoffs two years ago. He went all-in from day one to positively impact this franchise and this community.”
In his four seasons with Detroit, Van Gundy finished with a losing record, 152-176 (.463). This past season, the Pistons finished 39-43, missing the playoffs for the third time in Van Gundy’s four years at the helm.
Detroit made the playoffs under Van Gundy in 2015-16, earning the 8th seed with a 44-38 record. They were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.
The Pistons will now separate the two positions and are already considering candidates, including two-time NBA champion Brent Barry.
Sources: One candidate expected to be strongly considered for a role in a revamped Pistons front office — Brent Barry.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 7, 2018
Van Gundy’s biggest move last season, trading for all-star Blake Griffin, ultimately resulted in disappointment. The Pistons went .500, 17-17 with Griffin on their roster.