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In a startling turn of events, it appears Monty Williams will no longer be the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans.
New Orleans has fired coach Monty Williams, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) May 12, 2015
Absolutely startling news. Weeks after the Pelicans went on an improbable playoff run, which Wojnarowski stated was necessary for both Williams and Dell Demps to keep their jobs, to the Benson letter that congratulated the entire staff and players, this news is completely out of left field.
If I had to hazard a guess, Monty William's comments in his season-ending conference about "butting-heads" was perhaps something that he couldn't move past. Maybe Demps was looking to take the team in a different direction this summer, one that ired Monty even more? Thus, maybe it came down to a he goes or I go scenario?
Stay tuned for updates because I'm certain the fallout is going to be immense and highly unpopular coming on the heels of a successfully 2014-15 season and the apparent bond Monty shared with the team.
P.S. I hope Anthony Davis is cool with this.
UPDATE #1:
I have heard repeatedly that #Pelicans front office, including GM Dell Demps is safe, his 3 p.m. press conference is good indication.
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) May 12, 2015
He may be safe for now, but does he truly have 100% power? The Joe Dumars' news should still be fresh in all minds.
UPDATE #2:
Tom Benson had told confidants during the GSW series how much he loved Williams, who fulfilled management's mandate to make the playoffs.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) May 12, 2015
More fuel to my theory that something recently occurred that fractured Monty's relationship with someone in the organization further.
UPDATE #3:
.@thebirdwrites @PelicansNBA - I agree wholeheartedly - source just told me Mickey Loomis is 100% calling the shots for @PelicansNBA
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherMackel) May 12, 2015
As I expected, it's hard to fathom Dell Demps suddenly has complete control and that he "won" like many on social media have been stating.
UPDATE #4:
Pelicans GM Dell Demps will speak to the media at 3 p.m. Central at the team's facility in Metairie
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) May 12, 2015
Don't want to miss this!