Monty Williams, a former NBA head coach with an impressive resume, has made a move no one saw coming—accepting a high school coaching gig. After being Monty Williams Fired by Pistons just months ago, he’s stepping away from the glitz of the NBA to coach his son, Elijah Williams, at Texas Military Institute Episcopal prep school in San Antonio. Elijah, already turning heads as the No. 22 recruit for the class of 2026, is set to thrive under his father’s guidance.
Monty Williams Fired by Pistons—Now He’s Coaching High School?!
At 53, Williams will replace another notable name, former NBA player Bruce Bowen. While Bowen may have held the reins at TMI, Williams is expected to bring the kind of intensity that turned the Phoenix Suns into a championship contender.
But why would Williams, with such a prestigious background, trade in million-dollar contracts for a high school gym? Just months ago, he was fired by the Detroit Pistons after only one season, despite signing a jaw-dropping six-year, $78 million deal. The Pistons had a dismal 14-68 record, the worst in the league, leading to his abrupt exit. However, Williams is still owed a hefty $65 million, meaning he won’t exactly be missing NBA-level paychecks anytime soon.
Williams’ coaching career isn’t to be underestimated. His tenure with the Pistons may have been short-lived, but his four years with the Phoenix Suns (2019-2023) were nothing short of remarkable. In 2021, he led the team to the NBA Finals, and the following year, he helped the Suns secure a 64-18 regular-season record, earning himself NBA Coach of the Year. Before that, he honed his skills as an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers, serving under Nate McMillan from 2005 to 2010, before stints with the New Orleans Pelicans and the Pistons.
This surprising shift from NBA superstar coach to high school mentor raises many eyebrows. What could drive a man of his stature to leave behind the spotlight? Could it be a desire to escape the pressure cooker of professional sports or simply a father’s love for coaching his son? Whatever the reason, Williams is sure to bring passion and fire to this new chapter.
Monty Williams’ transition from the NBA to high school coaching is not only shocking but incredibly rare. The move seems almost too modest for someone who has achieved so much at the highest levels of basketball. This decision might spark a deeper conversation about the intense pressure NBA coaches face and the toll it can take on family life. It also hints at Williams’ potential desire to reconnect with the core values of the game by coaching young talent.
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