Following a critical Game 7 win against the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons made a critical announcement.
The team has officially extended the contract of the head coach, JB Bickerstaff.
Here is the official statement from the Detroit Pistons on Monday, May 4, 2026:
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – JANUARY 29: Ausar Thompson #9 talks to head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons during the first half /aph at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 29, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
“Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon announced today that the team has extended the contract of head coach JB Bickerstaff. Per team policy, terms were not disclosed.
Bickerstaff has recorded a 104-60 (.634) regular season record in two seasons with Detroit, including two consecutive playoff appearances. He has a career regular season record of 359-350 (.506) in 10 NBA seasons as a head coach, including five playoff appearances.”
Bickerstaff Stays With Pistons For The Long Haul
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 09: Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff reacts during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 09, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Pistons hired Bickerstaff as their head coach just one season after adding Monty Williams.
Although Detroit offered Williams a massive deal, the team clearly didn’t agree with his vision. When the Pistons dipped back into the coaching market, JB Bickerstaff was let go by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
On July 3, 2024, Bickerstaff was hired by Detroit.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 03: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons reacts during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on December 03, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
In his first season with the Pistons, Bickerstaff had an incredible turnaround. The Pistons went from winning 14 games to finishing the 2024-2025 season with a 44-38 record. The Pistons picked up the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Although the Pistons lost to the New York Knicks in the first round, they were expected to be right back in contention in 2025-2026. Sure enough, that was the case.
The Pistons finished as the only team in the Eastern Conference with a 60-win record. They picked up the first seed, and formed a 1-3 comeback against the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs. It was the first series win for the Pistons since 2008.
While the Pistons nearly ended the year in disappointing fashion, Bickerstaff’s team stayed alive. The journey will continue in round two, with a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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