The Phoenix Suns have fired coach Monty Williams after their NBA playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Williams, 51, was the NBA’s Coach of the Year last season but was fired 4-2 series loss.
“We are grateful for everything Monty has contributed to the Suns and the Valley region,” said Suns president of basketball operations James Jones.
His dismissal means that five franchises are now looking for new coaches.
The Milwaukee Bucks – who became the 2021 champions by beating Williams’ Phoenix team – fired coach of the year 2019 Mike Budenholzer after losing to the Miami Heat, despite finishing the regular season with the best record in the league.
Nick Namwino was fired by the Toronto Raptors after five seasons – during which he led them to the 2019 NBA championship.
The Houston Rockets did not renew Stephen Silas’ contract at the end of the season when 2018 coach Dwane Casey resigned as head coach of the Detroit Pistons.
Williams spent four seasons with the Suns, leading them to the playoffs the last three seasons.
