“Decisions like this are difficult to make, especially with the success we have had throughout the last three regular seasons,” Joe Dumars, president of basketball operations for the Pistons, said in a statement. “However, at this time, I feel it is necessary to make a change.”
Although there seems to be a few vacancies in the league, Saunders might not have a hard time finding his next coaching gig. His proven record of 176-70 with the Pistons has shown he can take any team and make them into title contenders, but the lack of getting past the conference finals should raise some eyebrows. It will be something that most teams who are looking to contend now instead of 3-5 years from now won’t work to his favor.