John Kuester fired as Head Coach of Pistons

[AboveLegit]

SpearsNBAYahoo Marc J. Spears

Pistons announce John Kuester out as head coach. Team says decision made following a meeting between new ownership and the head coach.

http://twitter.com/#!/SpearsNBAYahoo/status/77455817418350592

 

I could see him going to LA to join Mike Brown as an assistant coach. Makes a lot of sense and would be a good fit.

[The Lone Granger]

It's about time that he gets fired. Now maybe that Detroit team can start living up to the potential it showed flashes of at times last season. Alongside the Lakers, I'd look out for the Minnesota Timberwolves to look at bringing him in as an assistant. They've made it clear that Rambis has to re-vamp his staff, so that could be a possibility.

[htown11]

[Dash]

Berger on the candidates.

 

DALLAS – Pistons management huddled Sunday to begin formulating a list of candidates to replace John Kuester as head coach, with defensive-minded coaches possessing experience and/or a commanding presence dominating the early discussions.

 

Pistons president Joe Dumars and his basketball staff have a preliminary list of candidates including former Hawks coach Mike Woodson, Mavs assistant Dwane Casey, former Nets coach Lawrence Frank, Bucks assistant Kelvin Sampson, and ABC/ESPN broadcaster Mark Jackson, league sources told CBSSports.com. Former Pistons star Bill Laimbeer also is expected to receive consideration, as is Hornets assistant Michael Malone.

Malone, who worked with Kuester on Mike Brown’s staff in Cleveland, is a finalist for the Golden State head coaching position and also is in the mix to join Brown’s staff with the Lakers. Kuester, who ran the offense for Brown in Cleveland, also is expected to speak with his former boss about joining him in L.A.

 

Sampson’s push for a head coaching position is gaining momentum due to his expertise on the defensive side of the ball. The former Indiana University coach also has the presence and fiery personality the Pistons are seeking. Sampson’s name also has been linked to the Timberwolves, who have yet to decide Kurt Rambis’ future. Sampson also would be a logical fit for the Knicks, who are seeking a defensive assistant to add to Mike D’Antoni’s staff -- though it is uncertain whether the Bucks would permit him to leave for a lateral move.

 

Dumars said Sunday there is no timetable for the search, and teams are proving to be slow on the trigger with firings and hirings due to the possibility of a lockout.

 

http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/29820840

 

And more from Woj:

 

WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski

Just landed in Dallas for Game 3. Beyond Mike Woodson, expect Pistons to take a serious look at Milwaukee assistant Kelvin Sampson.

 

WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski

Sampson fits profile of a tough leader, strong on defensive side. Bucks have raved over his work as assistant. Popovich swears by him too.

 

WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski

Minnesota assistant Bill Laimbeer will likely be in the Detroit mix too. Expect thread through most candidates to be toughness, defense.

[ChosenOne]

I'm surprised he actually lasted two years, but I dont put the entire blame on him. The team is full of players that really didn't play hard for what ever reason. They need to empty house and try to build back up.

[frasersixersfan]

Is this really going to change anything? I would think they need a change to whoever is running things up top......Joe Dumars I think, because he just does not seem to have a plan at all going forward. Keeping Rip and Tayshaun for so long, then signing McGrady, Iverson, etc....these are moves to patch over a contender in hopes for another playoff run, not rebuilding like he should be.

 

Though it did seem as if the players didn't respect the coach......but that's not a surprise when you play in a losing environment with a losing mentality.