The New Orleans Pelicans fired head coach Monty Williams earlier this afternoon. Williams was 173-221 in New Orleans with playoff berths in his first and fifth seasons. The team had improved their winning percentage for three consecutive seasons after bottoming out; largely a consequence of acquiescing to Chris Paul's trade demands.
Now comes the hard part; hiring Monty's successor. Not only should the Pelicans make the playoffs again, but improve their standing from eighth in the hell scape of the Western Conference. Just six players are under contract for next season; Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon, Quincy Pondexter, Ryan Anderson, and Anthony Davis.