Jason Kidd out as Mavericks coach after five seasons with Masai Ujiri looking to start fresh
Kidd took Dallas to the 2024 Finals but has missed the playoffs in the last two seasons
new.cbssports.comJason Kidd is not currently the Mavericks coach: recent reports indicate he was fired by the Dallas Mavericks in May 2026 as part of a broader leadership reset led by new president Masai Ujiri. The team and Kidd reportedly agreed to part ways, with Ujiri signaling a desire for a new direction after a difficult season.[1][2]
Overview
- What happened: Dallas Mavericks announced Kidd’s departure after five seasons as head coach, amid a franchise overhaul under Masai Ujiri.[2][1]
- Context: The move followed a 26-56 season and the hiring of Ujiri, who was brought in to reset the organization’s culture and direction.[1][2]
- Kidd’s tenure: He led Dallas to the 2022 Western Conference Finals and the 2024 NBA Finals, finishing with an overall regular-season record of 205-205, before the team’s decline in the subsequent seasons.[2]
What this means for the Mavericks
- Immediate effect: Leadership shift at the top of basketball operations and coaching, with potential changes to coaching staff and roster strategy as the new president shapes the direction.[2]
- Next steps: Dallas is exploring coaching options and likely evaluating how to rebuild around key players and future draft assets under new leadership.[2]
What to expect next
- Coaching candidates: Teams in this situation typically consider internal assistants and established coaches with recent success in the league; official announcements usually follow from team leadership.[2]
- team strategy: Expect focus on rebuilding culture, player development, and potentially retooling the roster to fit Masai Ujiri’s vision.[1][2]
Citations
- Jason Kidd fired as Mavericks coach; Masai Ujiri demands new direction for Mavericks.[1]
- Jason Kidd out as Mavericks coach after five seasons; Ujiri seeks fresh direction.[2]