Monty Williams Fired By Pelicans, Tom Thibodeau A Reported Favorite

In a surprising move, the New Orleans Pelicans fired Monty Williams following the team’s first round playoff exit. Despite taking over just a year after the Byron Scott controversy, he took the team to two playoff appearances: once in his first year as coach (2010-11) and again this past season.

And despite a 173-221 all-time record, the Pelicans team appeared to be on the rise and saw this past year as a stepping stone. However after just five seasons with this group and garnering the fondness of Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis, GM Dell Demps decided it was time to let the coach go.

On top of this, the GM announced that he personally sat down with Davis to discuss the matter, but would not disclose what was said in the meeting. In the past, the superstar has stated how “The whole team loves [Williams].”

Executive vice president Mickey Loomis added some clarity to the Pelicans’ decision: “Monty did a great job. He’s done some really good things for us, but going forward we just felt like we needed something different to get to the next level.”

And reports from The Times-Picayune explain that Tom Thibodeau, if he departs from the Bulls following the playoffs, could be a top contender for the job: “League sources confirmed on Wednesday that the Pelicans are waiting to see if the Chicago Bulls and coach Tom Thibodeau are going to part ways. If Thibodeau is let go by the Bulls, he could possibly emerge as a candidate for the Pelicans’ job.”

Thibodeau was a top candidate for the vacant Pelicans job in 2010-11, but turned it down for the Bulls organization. Since joining the storied Chicago franchise, he has a 255-139 record and has never missed the postseason.

However, due to injuries and other unforeseeable circumstances, he has not had the greatest playoff record (23-27). On top of this, he has not been getting along with the head office and the riff could result in the two parties parting ways at the end of the season.

Now, he would be a great fit for New Orleans, if these reports are indeed true. At the same time, would this move appease Anthony Davis, a superstar that the Pelicans are desperately trying to keep. Just a few short years ago, Chris Paul forced the organization to trade him after a coaching change. Could history repeat itself?