Mike Montgomery has been fired as coach of the Golden State Warriors after two years with the team. He was reportedly at odds with many of the players, and joins a long list of successful college coaches who were unable to enjoy immediate success in the NBA.
“I’m very appreciative of the opportunity that I was presented two years ago,” Montgomery said in a statement released by the team. “This was a new challenge that I was eager to embrace and glad that I had the chance to pursue and experience. I’d like to thank the Warriors’ organization for their support, professionalism and class, and I’d also like to thank the fans of the Bay Area. This is a tremendous region for basketball and the support that they have provided me over the years has been simply outstanding.”
That’s a pretty classy statement from a guy who has just been canned. During his two-year stint, Montgomery was often at odds with his players. In college, players have to conform to the head coach. In the pros, it’s the other way around.
Sources have told ESPN that former Dallas coach Don Nelson is set to replace him. The Warriors are expected to make the announcement Wednesday.
