Over the past month, a wave of coaching changes has swept through the NBA, with six teams parting ways with their head coaches shortly after their seasons came to an end. According to Cricket Exchange, what’s striking is not just the number of dismissals—but the profile of those let go. Among them are big names like Dwane Casey, Nick Nurse, Mike Budenholzer, Monty Williams, and Doc Rivers. All five have previously earned Coach of the Year honors, and three—Rivers, Nurse, and Budenholzer—have hoisted the championship trophy.

Yet past success proved to be no shield. This time, front offices moved swiftly and decisively, showing little hesitation in showing respected coaches the door. As Cricket Exchange points out, firing a coach is often the easiest and most symbolic way for teams to respond to a failed season. Compared to trading star players, replacing a coach is cheaper and sends a stronger message. While that may appease frustrated fans in the short term, many of these teams are unlikely to improve overnight simply because they’ve changed the man on the sidelines.

From the perspective of the dismissed coaches, the road ahead varies dramatically. Some have already received offers from other organizations, while others now carry the burden of a failed season and face uncertain prospects. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but giving up is never the answer. Among the recently let-go coaches, Monty Williams appears to be the frontrunner in the reemployment race. Sources say the Milwaukee Bucks have placed him at the top of their shortlist.

Monty brings all the qualities of a high-level coach: excellent communication skills, calm demeanor, and the tactical intelligence to tailor strategies to his players’ strengths. His composed presence and likable personality make him a locker room favorite. Ironically, Mike Budenholzer, who was dismissed by the Bucks, boasts a stronger win-loss record. However, his failure to adjust during a historic playoff upset sealed his fate. Still, for teams seeking structure and tactical refinement, Budenholzer remains an appealing candidate.

Cricket Exchange experts believe Williams, Nurse, and Budenholzer are unlikely to stay unemployed for long. Meanwhile, Stephen Silas, recently let go by the Rockets, is reportedly planning to return to an assistant coaching role with the Celtics. As for Dwane Casey, he will continue to serve in a front office role with the Detroit Pistons after stepping down from coaching duties.

Doc Rivers, despite being the most experienced among this group, finds himself in the toughest spot. Once a respected voice in any locker room, he now faces perhaps the most difficult chapter of his career—left waiting while the coaching carousel spins without him.