After five seasons on the sideline, the Dallas Mavericks have decided to move on from head coach Jason Kidd.
Moving on from Kidd was the first major decision made by Masai Ujiri since he took over as team president earlier this month.
Masai Ujiri says Mavericks Want to Move in a ‘New Direction’ After Parting Ways with Jason Kidd
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 28: Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks watches play during the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center on January 28, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
In an official statement, Ujiri expressed gratitude for Kidd’s impact on the organization, but said that it was the right time for the team to move in a “new direction.” The Mavs will immediately start searching for a coach to lead them in that new direction.
“Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals. “We are thankful for Jason’s leadership, his professionalism and his commitment to the team. In my short time here, I’ve developed an enormous amount of respect for what he has built. He will always be an important part of the Mavericks family,” Ujiri said.
“As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team. We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention. We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve.”
The Writing was on the Wall in Dallas for Jason Kidd
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 05: Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on April 05, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Once Dallas hired Ujiri, it seemed like the writing was already on the wall when it came to Kidd’s future with the franchise. Executives often like to appoint their own head coach, and comments from Ujiri after he took the job stopped well short of guaranteeing that Kidd would be around long-term.
“He’s done a great job, but we are going to look at this thing from head to toe. That’s the right way to look at an organization and evaluate in every single way we can,” Ujiri said of Kidd earlier this month.
“I’m going to hear coach Jason Kidd out, his thoughts on everything. Because some of the stuff here, I don’t know. For me, it’s that simple. If you go back to the history, it’s the same thing. I have to follow the process here. I’m excited to meet with him.”
This story will be updated.
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