Dallas Looks for ‘Clean Slate’ After Parting Ways With Head Coach Jason Kidd
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New president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said Wednesday that the Dallas Mavericks dismissed head coach Jason Kidd to give the franchise “a new slate” as it restructures after two turbulent seasons.
“Being transparent with everybody, I think a new slate was a good way to look at this,” Ujiri told reporters one day after Kidd’s exit became official. “Sometimes in this organization we needed clarity in where we’re going.”
Ujiri, who assumed control of the front office only weeks ago, stressed that the decision was his alone. “I have to be accountable with a decision like this,” he said. “I also have to be very active in how I look at the organization from top to bottom.”
The coaching change follows a franchise-shifting period that began with Dallas trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package centered on Anthony Davis in 2025. The Mavericks missed the playoffs in the two seasons that followed and dealt with a series of injuries while overhauling their roster and staff.
Ujiri insisted the Doncic deal did not influence Kidd’s dismissal. “Honestly, that trade has played no part in how I have thought about anything,” he said.
The team’s rebuild now revolves around reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. Ujiri said the organization is eager to see how Flagg will mesh with Kyrie Irving, who sat out last season after tearing his ACL in 2025. “There’s a huge curiosity in our minds to see how Kyrie fits playing with Cooper Flagg,” he noted.
Front-office changes are continuing. Dallas has hired Mike Schmitz as general manager, while executive Matt Riccardi is departing. Discussions are underway about a potential future role for longtime Mavericks figure Michael Finley.
Ujiri acknowledged that moving on from Kidd, who guided Dallas through a challenging stretch, was difficult. “What he’s done for this organization we truly respect,” he said. “So this was a very, very tough decision.”
Source: Hoops Wire
