The Dallas Mavericks’ leadership transition continued on Wednesday as team president Masai Ujiri addressed the organization’s decision to move on from head coach Jason Kidd, calling it a difficult but intentional step tied to long-term alignment.
“Tough day for us yesterday. Thank you for everybody coming out,” Ujiri said. “Jason Kidd, Hall of Famer, incredible player. What he’s done for this organization, we truly respect. This was a very tough decision and we had great conversations with Jason Kidd.”
Ujiri emphasized respect for Kidd while stressing the need for structural clarity within the organization. “Really thank him and his family. I know these things are tough and I know he’ll go on to do great things. The ultimate respect from the whole organization from top to bottom.”
He outlined the reasoning behind the move as part of a broader reset in direction. “We needed clarity in where we’re going rather than sometimes lots of things in the mix. We need to really work in one direction and how we build this team and how we create winning.”
The Mavericks’ front office, led by Ujiri, is now preparing for a full coaching search. “We’re going to start a comprehensive search for a head coach and we really look forward to that. We will start that process. We’re going to be intentional.”
Ujiri confirmed the evaluation process will include the franchise’s core players, including Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. “We’re going to really dig into the philosophies of the kinds of players we have and how we want to build around a player like Cooper Flagg and a dynamic player in Kyrie Irving.”
He also made clear that accountability for the decision sits solely with him. “This decision is on me. I don’t want to put that on any player in any way… I have to be accountable with a decision like this.”
When asked about the search timeline, Ujiri said there is no deadline. “We are going to do a comprehensive search and get the right person… I don’t think there is a timeline right now but it’s something we really want to get done the right way.”
He also addressed roster construction and long-term planning, highlighting a future-focused approach. “We have a 19-year-old generational player on our roster and we have to think that way. We’re not going to make decisions based on winning today.”
Ujiri dismissed speculation linking Kidd’s departure to past roster decisions, including the Luka Doncic trade. “That trade has played no part in how I’ve thought about anything.”
He also confirmed further organizational changes. “Matt Riccardi would not be back,” Ujiri said, while noting ongoing discussions with other staff members as the franchise restructures its basketball operations group under the new leadership.
As the Mavericks enter a new phase, Ujiri reiterated the guiding principle of alignment across all levels. “We have to really work in one direction… build structure, build a vision here where we all want to work in one direction to build a winning team.”
