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According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Mike D’Antoni has coached his final game with the Rockets.
ESPN Sources: Houston coach Mike D’Antoni is informing the franchise’s ownership today that he’s becoming a free agent and won’t return to the Rockets next season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2020
D’Antoni coached the final year of his four-year deal and lead the Rockets to playoff series wins in every season during his tenure, including a Conference Finals visit in 2018.
D’Antoni leaves the franchise with the best winning percentage in Rockets history (.682) but ultimately fell short in the playoffs in each of his four seasons, including four straight losses in a gentleman’s sweep to the Lakers.
The announcement of D’Antoni’s departure is the first domino in what should be a dynamic offseason for the Rockets. The team should begin its head coaching search swiftly with numerous teams holding vacancies (Chicago, Philadelphia, Indiana).
Jeff Van Gundy is rumored to be one of the interested candidates, as he was considered by GM Daryl Morey and the front office when the team hired D’Antoni back in 2016.
TDS will update this story as it develops.