The Dallas Mavericks may not have made the Western Conference Finals this year, but they still managed to shake up the NBA world with an unexpected coaching change. Jason Kidd, the Hall of Fame point guard turned head coach, has been let go by the franchise, and Mavericks fans are absolutely thrilled about it.
Kidd, who took over as head coach in 2021, had a rollercoaster tenure in Dallas. While his overall record was just .500, he did lead the team to the NBA Finals during the 2023-24 season. That success, however, wasn't enough to save his job. Team president Masai Ujiri confirmed the news on Tuesday night, thanking Kidd for his contributions but signaling a 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," Ujiri said in a statement. "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 added that the team will conduct a thorough search for a new head coach, aiming to meet the high standards Mavs fans expect. With four years and over $40 million still left on Kidd's contract, owner Patrick Dumont reportedly made the decision to part ways this week, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
But the real story is how fans are reacting. On social media, the mood is celebratory. Many supporters believe Kidd was a key figure in the controversial trade that sent Luka Doncic out of Dallas. "Silent accomplice of Luka's trade," one fan wrote. Others echoed the sentiment: "Good! He was part of the team that pushed Luka out. Now we get a clear fresh start." Another fan simply said, "He was in on the Luka trade. Good riddance."
The move comes at a time when the Mavericks have a rising star in Cooper Flagg, making the head coaching job an attractive opportunity. The franchise is looking to rebuild trust with its fanbase, especially after the Doncic saga left a sour taste. For many, Kidd's departure is the first step in that process.
Interestingly, this coaching shakeup is not the only drama in Dallas sports. The Dallas Wings coach recently made headlines for criticizing players just three games into the season, showing that dysfunction isn't limited to the Mavericks. Meanwhile, the limited role of Azzi Fudd in her Wings debut has raised eyebrows among fans.
As for Kidd, he leaves behind a mixed legacy in Dallas. He'll now look for another coaching opportunity, but for Mavericks fans, the future finally feels brighter without him.
