The Detroit Pistons could be looking to transition Dwane Casey from head coach to another position within the organization as reported by Jake Fischer of Yahoo. A player development role within the front office for Casey has been rumored since mid season.

Pistons owner Tom Gores and Casey have developed a close relationship through a commitment to restore the team to former glory. For Casey that commitment was to the organization, and not just as head coach.

The goal was to win now upon hiring him in the 2018-19 season, the last time Pistons made the playoffs. He met he objective but the success wasn’t sustainable which prompted the hiring of general manager Troy Weaver. The organization pivoted with Casey asking him to now lead the team through a rebuild with player development the chief goal. “Developing Jaden Ivey was the top goal,” Casey confirmed after the last home game of the season. And that he did with Ivey exceeding many preseason expectations averaging 16.1 points, 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds per game. He answered draft day questions facing his playmaking and shooting as he leads all rookies in assists per game, and shooting 34.3% on 4.7 three point attempts per game.

Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, and even Cade Cunningham mention Casey and his program as vital to their growth in the NBA.

“I feel like being in this organization is going to help me develop and grow,” Duren said. “Coming in with a player like Jaden is going to help my game. I feel like I’m in a great spot for my future.”

.@detnewsRodBeard has been saying this since October via @WoodwardPistons @detroitnews #Pistons #NBA | @woodwardsports https://t.co/pkaP2beSYi

— Brandon Dent | @WoodwardSports #DetroitKoolAid (@DetroitKoolAid) April 7, 2023

Potential Replacements

If the Pistons were to make a change to the coaching staff, these are the candidates they’ve considered according to Jake Fischer.

Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Charles Lee has been mentioned as a “top potential candidate”.
Toronto Raptors assistant coach Adrian Griffin was an assistant with the OKC Thunder when Troy Weaver worked in their front office.
Portland Trailblazers head coach Chauncey Billups needs no introduction and would excite the fan base.

My Outside Pick for Detroit Pistons Head coach

A popular name to replace Casey has been Vanderbilt University head coach Jerry Stackhouse. The former Detroit Piston received several coaching honors recognizing Vandy’s success for the 2022-23 season. First, Stackhouse was named SEC Co-Coach of the Year by his SEC peers. And then the Ben Jobe award given to the top minority coach in college basketball.

He has an overall coaching record of 61-69 over four seasons, but 41-32 over the lat two. Stackhouse continues to receive high remarks for his work with young players which comprises the foundation of Pistons current roster.

The former bucket getter has remained committed to supporting the Detroit Pistons when called on. Recently Stackhouse was part of the teams’ reintroduction of the Teal Horse Era jerseys made popular by Grant Hill and himself.

Who are your favorite candidates if the Detroit Pistons move on from coach Dwane Casey as head coach?