Pistons Officially Announce Hiring Of JB Bickerstaff As Coach

It’s official, J.B. Bickerstaff is now coach of the Detroit Pistons, and no less than the Pistons have said so.

The team made the announcement official in a press release on Wednesday.

“I am pleased to have J.B. joining our franchise and commend our front office team on leading an extensive search,” Pistons owner Tom Gores said in a statement. “This is a pivotal time, and we need a leader who can immediately instill a culture of growth, development and inspiration. After spending time with J.B., it’s clear he is a passionate teacher with a competitive spirit who knows what it takes to win in today’s NBA.”

The move marks the first coaching hire of the Trajan Langdon era. Langdon is the head of basketball operations, arriving from the New Orleans Pelicans.

“I’m excited to welcome J.B. Bickerstaff as our head coach,” Langdon said. “I am confident that he is going to create an environment for our players that will prioritize development while building a highly competitive atmosphere. J.B. is a winner, a great communicator and will put systems in place to put our players in position to reach their potential. I look forward to partnering with him in executing our vision.”

Bickerstaff was fired as Cleveland Cavaliers coach after five-and-a-half seasons at the end of 2023-24. He compiled a 170-159 record in the regular season and a 6-11 mark in the playoffs.

Under Bickerstaff the Cavs took the next step in the playoffs in each of the last three years — from play-in tournament to first round to the Eastern Conference semifinals this past season. But the Cavs’ struggles after the All-Star break in each of those seasons were part of what led to his dismissal in Cleveland.

In Detroit, he takes over for Monty Williams, fired after just one year. The Pistons still owe Williams $65 million.

This all comes after they set the NBA single-season record for consecutive losses, dropping 28 straight in 2023-24.