Milwaukee Bucks fire head coach Jason Kidd

NOW: Milwaukee Bucks fire head coach Jason Kidd

Updated: 6:00 p.m. on January 22, 2018

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd has been relieved of his coaching duties, the team announced Monday. 

Below is a statement from Bucks General Manager Jon Horst.

“We appreciate everything that Jason has done for the Bucks organization, but we have decided to make a coaching change. “We believe that a fresh approach and a change in leadership are needed to continue elevating our talented team towards the next level, bringing us closer to our goal of competing for championships. Jason led a historic turnaround during his first season and would guide our team to two playoff appearances. He also played a meaningful role in helping to keep the Bucks in Milwaukee. We thank him for all of his contributions and wish him the best.”

Bucks Assistant Coach Joe Prunty will serve as head coach for Monday night's game against the Phoenix Suns at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

In Kidd’s three and a half seasons as head coach, the Bucks had a regular season record of 139-152 and reached the first round of the NBA Playoffs in the 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons. 

The Bucks held a press conference Monday night. See that full press conference below:

General Manager Jon Horst also released a letter to Bucks Fans:

Dear Bucks fans,

Today we announced that Jason Kidd has been relieved of his coaching duties. I made this decision with the unanimous support of ownership.

Many factors went into this decision, but ultimately we decided that a fresh approach and a change in leadership are needed to continue elevating our team to the next level and bringing us closer to our goal of winning championships. We believe that making this change now is important for the organization and gives our players the best chance to reach their full potential this season and beyond.

Jason oversaw an impressive turnaround in his first year, led the team to two playoff appearances and was instrumental in the development of our young talented players. We appreciate his tireless work and the meaningful contributions he made to the organization and the community. We wish him the best.

Our future is bright. We have a great young core of talented and high-character players, a spectacular new practice facility -- the Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Science Center -- and a world-class arena opening next season. We also have the NBA’s best fans and we are grateful for your loyal support.

Go Bucks.

Jon Horst

General Manager

------

Posted: 3:04 p.m. on January 22, 2018

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The Bucks have fired head coach Jason Kidd, according to ESPN.

Adrian Wojnarowski with ESPN reports Bucks assistant coach Joe Prunty will be installed as interim coach.

The Bucks are competing against the Phoenix Suns on Monday night. 

Kidd has been with the Bucks for three and a half seasons.



Stay tuned to CBS 58 on air and online for the latest updates in this developing story.

Share this article:
Sign up for the Sports Newsletter