Co Authored with Ben Kerr
NBA’s Black Monday
Three NBA Head Coaches are no more following moves made by their franchises on Monday. It is a situation that has made the NBA reminiscent of the NFL’s annual black Monday firing parade of head coaches on the first day after the end of the regular season.
Mike Woodson
In a move that should surprise absolutely no one, the New York Knicks have fired head coach Mike Woodson, who had one year remaining on his contract. After a hugely disappointing season that saw the Knicks post a 37-45 record and miss the playoffs in the woeful Eastern Conference, new team president Phil Jackson has taken the first step in his attempt to turn around a franchise that has fallen far since opening the season believing they were serious title contenders.
Woodson fell out of favor quickly in New York, having finished 3rd in voting for NBA Coach of the Year just a season ago, after leading the Knicks to a 54-28 record and into the second round of the playoffs. In a little more than two seasons as coach, he compiled a 109-79 overall record and his winning percentage of .580 is the third highest in franchise history.
TNT Analyst Steve Kerr, who won three NBA championships as a player for Phil Jackson’s Chicago Bulls, has been reportedly linked to the opening.
Tyrone Corbin
In Utah, the Jazz have announced that Head Coach Tyrone Corbin will not be back with the team next season. Corbin was in the final year of his contract, but the Jazz have stated that they will not renew the deal and are also in the market for a new head coach.
After taking over for Jerry Sloan during the 2010-11 season, Corbin went 112-146 as Utah’s head coach. He led the Jazz to a playoff spot in 2011-12 and another winning record in 2012-13 (43-39). But he couldn’t get them over the hump. The Jazz didn’t win a postseason game under Corbin. This year was also a disaster, as the Jazz went 25-57 for their worst record since 1981-82.
Rick Adelman
In Minnesota, Timberwolves head coach Rick Adelman has confirmed that he is retiring from coaching following a 40-42 season at the helm of the Timberwolves.
Adelman’s Timberwolves should have been a better team, they certainly have the talent, and this is likely a big factor in his decision. However, an even bigger factor is likely the health of Adelman’s wife. She has been sick for quite some time, and Adelman has missed time over the last two years to be with her. Now he won’t need to leave her side to go out on the road with an NBA club.
More to Come
Lastly, we should expect more coaching news, as Mike D’Antoni is unlikely to return to the Lakers, and there could be other changes in the coming weeks. For now thought the NBA’s Black Monday has opened up three head coaching positions.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @tpriceLWOS. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter –@LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Basketball writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
Main Photo:
