Pistons part ways with Stan Van Gundy after four seasons

Following a second straight year missing the playoffs, the writing had become written on the wall that Detriot Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy’s job security had become into question. This chatter had continued to remain a prevalent topic of discussion over the last few weeks since the end of the 2017-18 regular season.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski fo ESPN, the Pistons decided on Monday morning that Van Gundy was relieved of his duties after four seasons at the helm with the organization.

The Detroit Pistons and Stan Van Gundy, their president of basketball operations and head coach, have parted ways after the team failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

Van Gundy had reportedly met with the team officials Monday where the move was informed to him. He had held a dual role as a head coach and president of basketball operations since original taking the job with the Pistons. During his tenure, Detroit made the playoffs just once while finishing with an under .500 record in each of the three other seasons.

The only playoff appearance under Van Gundy saw them get swept in the first round against the Cleveland Cavaliers as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons has struggled to break through the last two seasons after the playoff appearance with their core led by All-Star center Andre Drummond and veteran point guard Reggie Jackson leading the way. In fact, the two have instead been involved in a few trade rumors due to the lack of consistent success over the last couple of years.

The decision to part ways with Van Gundy now puts the Pistons on the open market looking for their next head coach with some reported interest in former NBA guard Brent Barry. The front office could foreseeably expand their list of candidates over the next several days.