Pelicans fire coach Monty Williams, GM Demps will lead search for replacement

Time is up for Monty Williams in New Orleans.

The Pelicans announced Tuesday that they have removed Williams as head coach, ending his five-year tenure.

While Williams received his share of criticism during his time on the team's bench, his dismissal comes as something of surprise in the wake of an unexpected playoff appearance in the NBA's toughest conference.

Williams thanked the Pelicans' organization and fans for his time in New Orleans.

The Pelicans went 45-37, fighting through injuries to Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon and even Anthony Davis to edge out the Oklahoma City Thunder for the West's final playoff spot.

In his five seasons in New Orleans - following a nine-year playing career - Williams compiled a record of 173-221. His coaching tenure bridged the Chris Paul era to that of the ascendant Davis.

"We thanked Monty for the tremendous work and commitment he made to our organization and the development of our young players, specifically Anthony Davis," Pelicans executive vice-president Mickey Loomis said in a statement.

Williams was known to be close with Davis, and just last month team owner Tom Benson sent a letter praising Williams and Dell Demps for a job well done this season. The 87-year-old Benson is currently involved in a dispute with his children over a succession plan for the Pelicans and the NFL's Saints.

Dell Demps remains the team's general manager for the time being. And while the Pelicans denied having offered an executive position to former Detroit Pistons president Joe Dumars earlier this month, CBS Sports' Ken Berger reported Tuesday that Dumars is close to Benson and Loomis and is already consulting them.

Demps said that he will lead the search for Williams's replacement.

With the franchise seemingly on the rise, a next-level coach is potentially in the cards. One heavily-rumored replacement is Tom Thibodeau, should he part ways with the Chicago Bulls.

The Pelicans ranked ninth in the NBA in points per possession this season, but were also 22nd in defensive rating. A need to improve on that side, the presence of a player like Davis and a defensive-minded coach like Thibodeau possibly being available almost feels like too perfect a storm.

Williams, who was often booed by New Orleans fans, admitted to asking his family to stay away from home games at one point this season.