Mavericks Fans Celebrate Jason Kidd's Unexpected Firing

The Dallas Mavericks aren't competing in the Western Conference Finals, but they made headlines this week by mutually agreeing to part ways with head coach Jason Kidd.

Kidd has been the head coach of the Mavericks since 2021. Although he only had a .500 record during his run in Dallas, he led the franchise to the NBA Finals during the 2023-24 season. Now, he'll be looking elsewhere for another coaching job.

Mavericks President Masai Ujiri confirmed Kidd's departure on Tuesday night.

"Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals," said Ujiri. "We are thankful for Jason's leadership, his professionalism and his commitment to the team. In my short time here, I've developed an enormous amount of respect for what he has built. He will always be an important part of the Mavericks family."

Ujiri added, "We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve."

Kidd had four years and over $40 million left on his contract in Dallas. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont "reached the decision this week" to part ways with Kidd.

Was it the right move for Dallas?

Judging by the early reactions online, Mavericks fans are glad Kidd won't be part of their future.

"Silent accomplice of Luka's trade," one fan commented. "I always had mixed feelings about Kidd as coach. The team played well at times and at others was the ragtag bunch of my friends. Legend of this franchise, I always wish him the best

"Good! He was part of the team that pushed Luka out," a second fan wrote. "Now we get a clear fresh start. Owners won't change but everyone else that needs to be gone now is."

"He was in on the Luka trade. Good riddancee was in on the Luka trade. Good riddance," another fan said.

The Mavericks should be considered an attractive spot for coaching candidates, especially with Cooper Flagg on the roster.

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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 4:22 PM.