The Dallas Mavericks, led by new president Masai Ujiri, will begin a head coaching search.
It was one of the first major personnel questions asked at Masai Ujiri's introductory press conference as he was named the president of basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks.
Now he's given us the answer.
Tuesday evening, multiple reports say Jason Kidd and the Mavericks have mutually parted ways after five seasons.
The Hall of Fame point guard, who helped Dirk Nowitzki bring home the franchise's lone championship in 2011, succeeded title-winning coach Rick Carlisle ahead of the 2021-22 season.
Kidd's record in Dallas was an even 205-205. His resume will be highlighted by two Western Conference Finals appearances and a berth in the 2024 NBA Finals.
"Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals," said Ujiri in a statement. "We are thankful for Jason’s leadership, his professionalism and his commitment to the team. In my short time here, I’ve developed an enormous amount of respect for what he has built. He will always be an important part of the Mavericks family."
The organization now begins an immediate "comprehensive search" for the team's next coach.
Kidd and the Mavericks had agreed on a multiyear contract extension in October, but former general manager Nico Harrison was fired a month later. The team's underwhelming 26-56 season and Ujiri's hiring earlier this month brought about the uncertainty around his position.
At the press conference, Ujiri outlined how he would attack this decision.
"He’s done a great job, but we are going to look at this thing from head to toe," Ujiri said. "That’s the right way to look at an organization and evaluate in every single way we can."
"I’m going to hear coach Jason Kidd out, his thoughts on everything," Ujiri added. "If you go back to the history, it’s the same thing. I have to follow the process here. I’m excited to meet with him."
With that meeting concluded, the Mavs' new front office will begin searching for a new head coach just weeks after Ujiri took over and amidst a pivotal NBA Draft process, which now is likely fully controlled by ex scout and new general manager Mike Schmitz.
For the Mavs' roster, Ujiri's top task is now finding the right fit for franchise centerpiece Cooper Flagg, who undergoes a coaching change after one season in the NBA.
Flagg spoke highly of Kidd numerous times, saying he was a "player's coach" and someone who's decisions he respected.
The most scrutinized of those was Kidd's move to run Flagg out as a point guard to begin his NBA career. With Mavs guard Kyrie Irving out for the season due to a torn ACL, Dallas lacked playmaking. That remained the case with Flagg at the controls, and on throughout much of the season, even once the eventual Rookie of the Year moved back to his normal wing position.
Prior to Ujiri's hiring, Kidd threw his name in the hat with team governor Patrick Dumont.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that Kidd "did try to become the president" of the Mavericks.
"He's known for months that wasn't going to happen," the insider said. MacMahon says Kidd was not involved in Ujiri's hiring process.
"Very clearly, Masai Ujiri is the boss. Period." MacMahon added. "There's no question about the power structure. Masai Ujiri is the boss of all things basketball with the Dallas Mavericks."
"As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team," Ujiri said in Tuesday's statement.
"We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention. We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve."
