Hornets, Monty Williams Agree to Four Year Extension

In a story that broke overnight, the Hornets and Head Coach Monty Williams have agreed to a four year contract extension to officially keep him with the team through the 2015/2016 season. The amount of the deal is not yet known but, according to the Associated Press, Monty himself has confirmed the length of the deal. Monty's current contract was heading into its final year (the team did have an option for a fourth year but had not yet picked it up) and, amidst an off season riddled with change and transitions, it's refreshing (and very telling) that the organization decided to maintain Monty Williams in his role as the Head Coach. It hasn't been easy for Monty in his two years on the job. He did manage to get the team to the postseason in his first year, of course, and wound up getting an injury riddled squad to maintain a competitiveness that won him some praise around the league and even managed to score some votes for Coach of the Year; a rarity for a coach whose team finished 21-45.

But I believe I'm joined by the rest of At The Hive when I mention how pleased I am that Monty has been retained amongst all the moves elsewhere. You'd have to imagine that Dell Demps, also entering the final year of his deal, will be next in the contract extension talks.

Here are the statements released by everybody that matters in the story:

"We are proud to announce that Monty Williams will be the head coach of the New Orleans Hornets for years to come," said Hornets Owner Tom Benson. "We could not be any happier to have someone of Monty’s quality – both professionally and personally – involved in the resurgence of this franchise."

"The Hornets have a promising future and an exciting young nucleus," said Hornets Executive Vice President Mickey Loomis. "It is our opinion that Monty is the perfect coach to develop and lead this group of talent going forward."

"I would like to thank Mr. Benson, his family, Mickey and Dell for putting their trust in me and showing me their commitment," said Williams. "The love and support the city and its fans have shown me and my family in the time we have been here has been incredible and I look forward to continuing to work to make the city and the Benson family proud of the Hornets."

Geaux Hornets