Detroit Pistons Fire Stan Van Gundy
May 7, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:27 am
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 11: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons reacts in the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on April 11, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(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.
