In the 2009 NBA offseason, there were five head coach openings that were not filled by incumbents, interims or otherwise. Five NBA teams hired brand new head coaches.
NBA Coach Hires In 2009 Didn’t Go So Well
With Flip Saunders’ ouster in Washington, all five have now been fired.
- The Wizards spent a nice chunk on Saunders, who'd had success with the Wolves and Pistons. He lasted two seasons and change, and went 51-130.
- The Pistons hired John Kuester. He was fired after two seasons, during which Detroit went 57-107.
- The Timberwolves picked up Kurt Rambis. He lasted two seasons. Minnesota went 32-132.
- The Kings hired Paul Westphal, who was fired earlier this season. Under Westphal, Sacramento went 51-120.
- Finally, the only team who hired a new coach in 2009 and now has a winning record -- the Philadelphia 76ers -- went with Wizards cast-off Eddie Jordan. The Sixers went 27-55, and Jordan was fired after one season.
Combined, the five coaches went 218-544, or .286. That’s not very good! Only two of those five clubs (Washington and Sacramento) should be in position to hire a new coach this offseason. Let’s hope they make better decisions this time around.
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