The Detroit Pistons’ search for their next head coach has taken several twists and turns since it started over six weeks ago.
In that time the Pistons have interviewed candidates and narrowed the field to three “finalists” that turned out not to be so final after Tom Gores wasn’t initially impressed.
Then came the news that the Suns were firing head coach Monty Williams, a guy that the Pistons reportedly made a huge offer to that he turned down. The optics aren’t great when a coach gets offered a massive payday and says, “nah, I’ll pass.”
So that puts the Detroit Pistons back to the start, and it appears they will re-visit their first set of “finalists,” although one of them will not be joining the party.
Pistons news: One “finalist” for head coach is apparently out
The Pistons identified Kevin Ollie, Charles Lee and Jarron Collins as their three “finalists” and all three met with owner Tom Gores.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, two of those candidates will have a second interview with Gores:
Have been told Detroit had Kevin Ollie scheduled for another meeting today with Charles Lee slated tomorrow in Los Angeles. Pelicans assistant Jarron Collins was not scheduled for another session with the Pistons. https://t.co/FIX2RF5kSk
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) May 25, 2023
It appears as though Jarron Collins, current assistant coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, is no longer in the running, as he was not scheduled for a second interview with Tom Gores.
Collins has an interesting resume as a guy who has had success improving defenses everywhere he has been, something the Pistons desperately need after putting up the worst defensive rating in team history this season.
Reports claim that Troy Weaver is leaning towards Kevin Ollie, a guy who has never coached in the NBA, but it’s obvious that owner Tom Gores is going to have at least some say in the final decision.
One of these two candidates very well could be the Pistons’ next head coach, but don’t be surprised if Gores calls a last second audible if he doesn’t walk away from the second set of interviews with a clear choice.
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