Pistons reach agreement to hire former Suns coach Monty Williams, reports say

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - The Detroit Pistons have reportedly reached an agreement with former Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams, the winningest head coach in all of basketball since 2021. According to multiple reports, he received a six-year contract worth $78.5 million. That makes him the highest-paid coach in NBA history, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. According to Yahoo Sports, it could reach $100 million with incentives and there are team options after six years. The deal is expected to be official soon.

Williams was the NBA Coach of the Year in 2022 when the Suns had a franchise-best 64-18 record. He was 194-115 (.628) in four seasons with Phoenix, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and an NBA Finals appearance in 2021. However, after being humiliated in back-to-back elimination games over the last two seasons, the team parted ways with Williams on May 13, owing him $21 million with three years left on his contract.

The 51-year-old Williams indicated that he’d consider taking a year off from coaching because of this. However, this didn’t stop the Pistons from pursuing him. Williams replaces Dwane Casey who stepped down after five seasons.

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