The Detroit Pistons played their final game of the 2017-2018 season 26 days ago and that would turn out to be the last game that Stan Van Gundy would coach, as the organization announced that he will not return as the team’s President of Basketball Operations and head coach.
“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.
“But over the past two seasons our team has not progressed and we decided that a change is necessary to regain our momentum.”
Van Gundy had one year remaining on his contract and wanted to stay. Some believed he would be stripped of his President of Basketball Operations position and retain his head coaching role, especially since he was not immediately fired after the season. With the Pistons building a new arena in downtown Detroit and roster that many believed could compete in the Eastern Conference when healthy, Van Gundy’s job was once considered safe.
“Stan is a competitor and he wanted to finish the job,” Mr. Gores said. “He retooled a roster that we think can be very competitive in the East. I know he’s disappointed and that he cares deeply about his players, his staff, this organization and this city. He’s also a professional who will make sure this is a seamless transition and someone I hope will be a friend and adviser to me long after this transition is completed.”
“I have nothing but respect and love for Stan. I think he is a great coach and a great man, and his presence and leadership helped move this franchise forward. Although we did not get the success both of us wanted, his efforts and leadership have put the franchise in better shape today than when he came on board.”
Van Gundy, who was named president of basketball operations and head coach 2014 and tallied a regular-season record of 152-176 (.463) in four seasons with the Pistons. He posted a 44-38 (.536) regular-season record in 2015-16 and led the club to its first postseason appearance since the 2008-09 season.
As president of basketball operations, Van Gundy and general manager Jeff Bower initiated the re-signing of Andre Drummond, selected first round draft picks Stanley Johnson, Henry Ellenson and Luke Kennard and made notable trade acquisitions for Blake Griffin, Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley. Ultimately, that was not enough for him to keep his job.
The search process for a new head of Basketball Operations and a new head coach will start immediately.
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