METAIRIE, La. (AP) – The New Orleans Pelicans fired head coach Monty Williams on Tuesday, parting ways with a coach who had a strong relationship with the franchise’s marquee player, Anthony Davis.
The decision came only weeks after owner Tom Benson congratulated Williams and the entire basketball operations staff for “a job well done” after a season in which New Orleans qualified for its first playoff berth since 2011.
“Making a decision like this is never easy and is never done hastily, especially when you are dealing with a person of Monty Williams’ character,” team president Mickey Loomis said. “We thanked Monty for the tremendous work and commitment he made to our organization and the development of our young players, specifically Anthony Davis.
“While we continue to work towards improving our roster, we decided that now was the time to make this decision,” Loomis added. “We wish nothing but the best for Monty in the future.”
Williams has an overall record of 173-221, with two playoff appearances since landing his first heading coaching job with the Pelicans in 2010.