Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Mavericks President Ujiri Fires Jason Kidd

5/22/2026

40 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Jason Kidd Fired

The Dallas Mavericks fired head coach Jason Kidd on Tuesday.
President Masai Ujiri, hired two weeks earlier, led the decision and said it was tough.
Kidd left with over $40 million remaining on a contract signed less than a year ago and a 205-205 regular-season record and a 26-56 mark in 2025-26.
The Mavericks have started a search for a new coach while Kidd is being mentioned as a candidate elsewhere.

Summary

Jason Kidd Ousted

President Masai Ujiri announced a “clean slate,” firing coaches, executives and scouts to reset culture.
Reports say Jason Kidd was toxic, pursued a front-office role and sparked power struggles.
Michael Carter-Williams called Kidd “insufferable” and said he warned about him for ten years.
A Nike executive warned that Kidd’s personality would “weigh on people” and cause him to be fired from every coaching job.

Summary

Sean Sweeney Front-runner

Sean Sweeney, the Spurs’ defensive coordinator, is the frontrunner to replace Kidd as head coach.
Micah Nori, longtime Minnesota Timberwolves assistant, is linked to both the Timberwolves and Dallas vacancies.
Billy Donovan, former Chicago Bulls coach, is being considered for the Orlando Magic job after winning with the Thunder and two NCAA titles at Florida.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 owner Mark Cuban dismissed head coach Avery Johnson after the 2007-08 season, showing early willingness to overhaul staff. Rick Carlisle’s mutual departure in June 2021 continued the pattern of swift changes. In May 2026 president Masai Ujiri fired Jason Kidd, as the Mavericks had posted a 50-32 record in 2023-24 and reached the NBA Finals.

1 of 4

Jason Kidd Fired

The Dallas Mavericks fired head coach Jason Kidd on Tuesday.
President Masai Ujiri, hired two weeks earlier, led the decision and said it was tough.
Kidd left with over $40 million remaining on a contract signed less than a year ago and a 205-205 regular-season record and a 26-56 mark in 2025-26.
The Mavericks have started a search for a new coach while Kidd is being mentioned as a candidate elsewhere.

1 / 4