The Detroit Pistons fired head coach Monty Williams on Wednesday, despite giving him a record-breaking $78.5 million contract last year, as the team endured an NBA-worst 14-68 season.

Monty Williams' dismissal comes amid widespread changes for the Pistons, who struggled with a record-setting 28-game losing streak and deployed 36 different starting lineups. Despite Williams' past successes, including an NBA Finals appearance with the Suns and a Coach of the Year award, the Pistons have endured a second consecutive season at the bottom of the standings. New team president Trajan Langdon has also dismissed the general manager and will now search for a new head coach as Detroit seeks to rebuild from another disappointing season.

Williams' tenure with the Pistons was short-lived, lasting just over a year after he signed a monumental six-year deal, making him the richest head coach in NBA history at the time. The $78.5 million contract underscored the team’s high hopes for a turnaround under Williams' guidance.

However, the Pistons' performance this season was dismal, culminating in a league-worst 14-68 record. The team set an NBA record by losing 28 straight games in a single season, a stark contrast to Williams' prior achievements, including leading the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021 and earning the NBA's Coach of the Year award in 2022.

One of the critical issues faced during the season was inconsistency in the roster. The Pistons utilized 31 different players and cycled through 36 different starting lineups. This constant shuffling likely contributed to the team’s inability to establish cohesion on the court. Additionally, the Pistons suffered 39 losses by double digits, further highlighting their struggles.

The back-to-back seasons with the worst record in the NBA were evident in their 17-65 record from the previous year. Despite their poor performance, draft lottery results did not favor the Pistons consecutively, and they will select fifth in the upcoming draft, which will be crucial for the team’s plans to rebuild.

Monty Williams had even considered sitting out the 2023-24 season but chose to continue coaching. Despite this, Williams was ultimately fired by the Pistons.

New team president Trajan Langdon's overhaul of the team’s management was also significant. Langdon dismissed general manager Troy Weaver before firing Williams. Langdon will now take on the task of selecting a new head coach as part of his vision for the Pistons’ future.

Williams' overall coaching record stands at 381-404 (.485) over ten seasons, having previously coached the Pelicans/Hornets and the Suns before his brief stint with the Pistons. His track record showcases his ability to lead successful campaigns, although translating success to the Pistons proved challenging.

The timing of Williams' firing places the Pistons in a competitive position in the market for a new head coach. At present, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers are the only other teams also searching for new head coaches, which could influence the available candidates for these teams.

The Detroit Pistons' upcoming draft and the search for a new head coach will be pivotal in shaping the future of the franchise. While the firing of Williams marks a significant change, it opens a new chapter for the Pistons. This change has left fans and analysts alike anticipating the next steps in the Pistons' journey.