The Detroit Pistons have reportedly found their new head coach.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Monty Williams has agreed to a deal to become Detroit's new head coach, replacing Dwane Casey, who has moved into the front office after five years on the sidelines in Detroit.
Williams spent the past four years with the Phoenix Suns, leading them to an NBA Finals appearance in 2021 and being named Coach of the Year in 2022, however, he was fired after the Suns exited the postseason in the second round.
Charania reports that Williams initially told teams, including the Pistons that he was interested in taking a year off, however, Detroit came to the table with a deal that will make the 51-year-old the highest-paid coach in NBA history.
Monty Williams’ Pistons deal could reach eight years and $100M based on team options and incentives, sources tell me and @JLEdwardsIII. https://t.co/jOoWKghm79
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 1, 2023
Williams has a strong relationship with Pistons GM Troy Weaver, dating back to their time together in Oklahoma City, entrusting the former Suns coach with guiding the Pistons' young core of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren cand co.
MORE: Why Pistons are making Monty Williams one of NBA's highest-paid head coaches
Williams to sign largest coaching deal in NBA history
According to the report from Charania and James L. Edwards III, Williams' deal will pay him $72 million over six years.
The reported deal will pay Williams an annual salary of $12 million, making him the highest-paid coach in the league and could rise to $100 million with incentives and an option to extend for an extra two years.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Williams' deal is worth $78.5 million over six years, which woud be the largest coaching deal in NBA history.
Who are the highest-paid coaches in the NBA?
Below are the highest-paid coaches in the league for the 2022-23 NBA season. Four of the top six highest-paid coaches have been fired this season.
| Rank | Coach | Salary |
| 1. | Gregg Popovich (Spurs) | $11.5 million |
| 2. | Steve Kerr (Warriors) | $9.5 million |
| T3. | Erik Spoelstra (Heat) | $8.5 million |
| T3. | Doc Rivers (76ers) | $8.5 million |
| T5. | Mike Budenholzer (Bucks) | $8 million |
| T5. | Nick Nurse (Raptors) | $8 million |
| T5. | Steve Nash (Nets) | $8 million |
Monty Williams' coaching record
Williams took over the Suns' head coaching position in 2019, replacing Igor Kokoskov.
In his tenure at the helm of the Suns, he compiled a 194-115 overall record (.628 winning percentage) with the franchise in the regular season and since 2021, he is the winningest coach in the NBA, making the playoffs in three straight seasons.
Monty Williams in 4 seasons with the Suns:
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) May 14, 2023
🟠 2022 Coach of the Year
🟠 2021 NBA Finals appearance
🟠 3 straight top-4 finishes in Western Conference
🟠 Winningest NBA head coach since 2021
🟠 8-0 in the NBA Bubble pic.twitter.com/kK56DEiuPK
Prior to his time in Phoenix, Williams served as the head coach of the Hornets/Pelicans in New Orleans, as well as stints as an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Philadelphia 76ers.
| Season | Team | W | L | Pct |
| 2010-11 | Hornets (New Orleans) | 46 | 36 | .561 |
| 2011-12 | Hornets (New Orleans) | 21 | 45 | .318 |
| 2012-13 | Hornets (New Orleans) | 27 | 55 | .329 |
| 2013-14 | Pelicans | 34 | 48 | .415 |
| 2014-15 | Pelicans | 45 | 37 | .549 |
| 2019-20 | Suns | 34 | 39 | .466 |
| 2020-21 | Suns | 51 | 21 | .708 |
| 2021-22 | Suns | 64 | 18 | .780 |
| 2022-23 | Suns | 45 | 37 | .549 |
