Win ... and get fired! Dwane Casey joins the club

11:40 AM ET

Rachel MarcusESPN Editor
Close
- ESPN Editor
- Joined ESPN in 2013
- Maryland native, Syracuse graduate

The second-best record in the NBA this season -- and the East's top seed -- couldn't save Dwane Casey from getting the pink slip from the Toronto Raptors. Casey, who helmed Canada's team since the 2011-2012 season, owns the Raptors' franchise record for wins and made the playoffs the last five seasons. Yet, for the third straight year, and despite the No. 1 seed, Toronto couldn't make it past LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs.

Casey joins a list of other coaches across all sports this millennium who weren't retained following a successful season. Here, we take a look at how things worked out for other notable coaches who shared the same fate as Casey.

NBA

David Blatt, Cleveland Cavaliers (2015-2016 season)

Credentials: Winning the Eastern Conference championship in your first season, followed by a 30-11 start the next year usually spells job security. Not for Blatt, whose firing by the Cavs despite his 83-40 overall mark as coach drew outrage among his NBA peers. Blatt, who made his name by becoming one of the most successful American coaches in European hoops history, was canned largely because of what was reported as growing turmoil and animosity with players -- especially with the team's stars -- behind the scenes.

Post-firing quote: "I'm embarrassed for our league that something like this could happen. It's just bizarre. It just leaves you with a bit of an empty feeling because Blatt's a great guy and he did a great job there." -- Mavericks coach and president of the NBA Coaches Association Rick Carlisle

How it worked out for the Cavs: Any criticism for the firing of Blatt was all but gone after Tyronn Lue took over and led the Cavs to the NBA title that season. Cleveland made it back to the NBA Finals the following year and is again playing in the Eastern Conference finals in 2018.

How it worked out for Blatt: Months after his firing, Blatt returned to coaching in Europe. He led Darüşşafaka in Turkey to the 2018 EuroCup Championship in his second season with the club. Blatt reportedly had a recent interview with the Knicks for their head coaching position.

Byron Scott, New Jersey Nets (2003-2004 season)

Credentials: Led the Nets, who had one of the NBA's worst records during the 2000-2001 season, to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances for the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 seasons. Much of that success coincided with the arrival of all-star point guard Jason Kidd. It was also Kidd's rocky relationship with Scott that played a role in the midseason firing.

Post-firing quote: "It happens to almost every coach eventually: Your message isn't well received and taken onto the court." -- Nets team president Rod Thorn

How it worked out for the Nets: Lawrence Frank took over and promptly won 14 straight games, leading the Nets to a 47-35 record and an appearance in the Eastern Conference semis. The Nets, who moved to Brooklyn in 2012, haven't made the NBA Finals since Scott led them there.

How it worked out for Scott: He went on to coach the New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, but never replicated his postseason success he had with the Nets.

Avery Johnson, Dallas Mavericks (2007-2008 season)

Credentials: Johnson was fired by Mavericks after the 2007-2008 season after leading them to three 50-win seasons. Johnson guided the Mavericks to the NBA Finals (2006) for the first time and to a club-record 67 wins the following season. But there were also some serious lows during his time with the Mavs -- blowing a 2-0 lead in those Finals, getting dumped in the first round of the playoffs after that 67-win season and getting knocked out in the first round again before his dismissal.

Post-firing quote: "I think this franchise, we owe him a lot. Unfortunately it's just one of those situations where everybody's got to move on." -- Mavs C Dirk Nowitzki.

How it worked out for the Mavs: The Mavs hired Rick Carlisle as head coach and enjoyed mild success for two seasons before winning the franchise's only championship in 2011.

How it worked out for Johnson: Johnson joined ESPN as a studio analyst for two seasons before becoming head coach of the Nets in 2010. In 2015, he became the head coach at Alabama, his current post.

Mike Brown, Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-2010 season)

Credentials: Brown, who was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2009, won over 60 regular-season games in 2009 and 2010. But the bottom line for the Cavs: Brown couldn't win the big one. Despite having LeBron James on the roster, the Cavs failed to win the Eastern Conference in both of those seasons. The 2010 campaign ended in the second round of the playoffs after the Cavs were routed at home by a combined 50 points in the final two games of the series by Boston. Brown, who also led Cleveland to the NBA Finals in 2007, was fired less than two weeks after falling to the Celtics. He finished with a 272-138 mark in five seasons with the Cavs.

Post-firing quote: "Do I think he deserved it? No. My question is: Who's out there that's better?" -- Cavs guard Mo Williams

How it worked out for the Cavs: Yikes! James took his talents to South Beach in free agency in the summer of 2010, and the Cavs soon crumbled. In the next three seasons under Byron Scott, Cleveland went a combined 64-166. LeBron returned to the Cavs in 2014 and led his hometown team to a title in 2016.

How it worked out for Brown: It didn't take long for him to find his way back to an NBA bench, replacing Phil Jackson with the Lakers in 2011-12. After winning the Pacific Division, Brown was fired five games into the following season. Brown then replaced Scott in Cleveland -- yes, Cleveland again -- and lasted all of one season. Now an assistant with the Warriors, he helped lead them to a 12-0 record in the playoffs en route to an NBA title last season (over Cleveland), filling in for head coach Steve Kerr, who was out with chronic back pain.

Mark Jackson, Golden State Warriors (2013-2014 season)

Credentials: Jackson was fired by Warriors after taking them from 23 wins to 51 with two playoff appearances in three seasons. Jackson helped turn a perennially losing franchise into a consistent winner, but his boisterous personality did not always play well with Warriors management. His demeanor, which bordered on confidence and cockiness, might have ultimately cost him his job.

Post-firing quote: "Over the last three years, coach Jackson has challenged me as a player and person. His experience and guidance has helped each of us grow in this league. ... Can't thank him enough for all he did for me. I wish him all the best as he transitions to the next chapter." -- Warriors PG Stephen Curry

How it worked out for the Warriors: The Warriors hired Steve Kerr and haven't looked back, advancing to the NBA Finals each of the last three seasons and winning two championships. The Warriors are in the Western Conference finals again this postseason and have a shot at another title.

How it worked out for Jackson: Jackson currently serves as an NBA game analyst for ESPN.

NFL

Tony Dungy, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2001)

Credentials: Dungy was fired after a 9-7 season in 2001, one that included the formerly dismal Bucs' fourth playoff appearance in five years under the coach. The Bucs' problems on offense -- they never finished higher than 21st on that side of the ball under Dungy or found a true separator at quarterback -- were viewed as a major reason for his undoing.

Post-firing quote: "He should be remembered for how he pulled this franchise from the ashes. He made it into something." -- Bucs CB Ronde Barber

How it worked out for the Bucs: In the short term, it sure looked like the Bucs made the right move. The organization acquired Jon Gruden from the Raiders and immediately won what remains its only Super Bowl title (and appearance) in 2002.

How it worked out for Dungy: Dungy didn't remain unemployed long, being hired by the Indianapolis Colts just eight days after being let go by Tampa. He led the Colts to the playoffs in all seven seasons with Indy, including a Super Bowl title in 2006 that remains the team's lone title since arriving in Indianapolis in 1984.

Marty Schottenheimer, San Diego Chargers (2006)

Credentials: Schottenheimer was fired from the Chargers after going an NFL-best 14-2 in the 2006 season. The Chargers were thought by many to be Super Bowl-caliber but they lost at home in the divisional round to the Patriots. Team president Dean Spanos cited a "dysfunctional situation" between the coach and general manager A.J. Smith. Schottenheimer was 47-33 in five seasons with the Chargers.

Post-firing quote: "I must take whatever steps are necessary to deliver a Super Bowl trophy to San Diego. Events of the last month have now convinced me that it is not possible for our organization to function at a championship level under the current structure." -- Chargers president Dean Spanos

How it worked out for the Chargers: The Chargers hired Norv Turner and made it to the AFC Championship the following year before falling again to the Patriots. The Chargers have returned to the playoffs several times in the years since Schottenheimer but have not made it to the Super Bowl.

How it worked out for Schottenheimer: Schottenheimer coached the Virginia Destroyers to the 2011 United Football League championship and was named coach of the year. Schottenheimer has also worked as an NFL Insider on ESPN.

Mike Mularkey, Tennessee Titans (2017)

Credentials: Mularkey was fired after the Titans ended an eight-year postseason drought and won a playoff game for the first time since 2003. Mularkey went 20-21 in parts of three seasons with the Titans and guided Tennessee to back-to-back 9-7 records in his two years as the team's full-time coach. But Mularkey and the Titans "couldn't come to an agreement over the future." Mularkey was hired when Ruston Webster was the Titans GM but fired when Jon Robinson was GM.

Post-firing quote: "I just felt like we needed to go in a different direction and maximize the skill sets of the players on the field." -- Titans GM Jon Robinson

How it worked out for the Titans: The Titans hired first-time head coach Mike Vrabel in 2018.

How it worked out for Mularkey: He doesn't currently work in the NFL.

Lovie Smith, Chicago Bears (2012)

Credentials: Smith was fired by the Bears after a 10-6 season and an 81-63 record (with a Super Bowl appearance) in nine years. Smith was particularly criticized for Chicago's struggles on offense. Despite having a Pro Bowl receiver in Brandon Marshall and solid players in quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte, the Bears ranked 28th in total offense. Another big issue was the Bears' poor finishes under Smith. During his tenure, the Bears were 17-19 in December.

Post-firing quote: "I have a lot of respect for the guy. He's made friends with a lot of the players. He's a players' coach. I think right now I'm a little surprised, a little sad. Wish I could have done more offensively to help him out." -- Bears QB Jay Cutler

How it worked out for the Bears: The Bears hired Marc Trestman and John Fox followed him, but Chicago has yet to have a winning season or make the playoffs since Smith's departure. Matt Nagy takes the reins this season.

How it worked out for Smith: Smith coached Tampa Bay for two seasons before starting his current job as head coach at the University of Illinois.

MLB

John Farrell, Boston Red Sox (2017)

Credentials: Farrell was fired after leading the Red Sox to the first back-to-back division titles in franchise history but also consecutive first-round playoff knockouts. Despite another first-place American League East finish, the front office determined the team needed a new voice in the clubhouse and a fresh public face.

Post-firing quote: "He gave me every opportunity to succeed. I can say the same for everybody on this team." -- Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale

How it worked out for the Red Sox: The Red Sox hired Alex Cora as their manager and are off to a hot start to the 2018 season.

How it worked out for Farrell: Farrell joined the Reds organization as a scout and is an analyst on ESPN's Baseball Tonight.

Dusty Baker, Washington Nationals (2017)

Credentials: Baker's contract wasn't extended following two years, two NL East titles (95 wins and 97 wins) and two playoff appearances -- but no playoff series wins. It was a case of World Series or bust, and while Baker had the respect of the organization, the Nats decided to go in a different direction in hopes of securing that elusive title.

Post-firing quote: "I really thought this was my best year," Baker told USA Today Sports. "We won at least 95 games each year and won the division back-to back years but they said they wanted to go a different direction. It's hard to understand."

How it worked out for the Nationals: Check back in October. The Nats hired Dave Martinez, Joe Maddon's longtime bench coach but first-time manager. After a slow start, the Nats are still favored to win the NL East. They'll have to win not one playoff series for the first time, but three to reach their goal of being World Series champs.

How it worked out for Baker: He returned to the Bay Area and the Giants, a team he led to the 2002 World Series, as a special adviser to the CEO. He can also watch his son, Darren, play baseball for Cal.

Grady Little, Boston Red Sox (2003)

Credentials: Red Sox Nation could taste it. Their team had Pedro Martinez, perhaps baseball's most dominating pitcher, cruising into the eighth inning of Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS against the rival Yankees, leading 5-2. The World Series was oh, so close. But in the eighth, the Yankees rallied for three straight hits and a run against a suddenly fading Martinez, who was up to 118 pitches thrown. Little made his way to the Yankee Stadium mound but, in what could be the most second-guessed move in franchise history next to selling the Bambino to the Yankees, the manager didn't pull Pedro. Jorge Posada followed with a tying two-run double, and the Yankees won it in the 11th on Aaron Boone's blast. Less than two weeks later, Little was fired after two seasons with the Red Sox. He led them to a 188-136 record.

Post-firing quote: "All I can tell you is the truth, which is quite simply that the decision was made on a body of work after careful contemplation of the big picture. It did not depend on any one decision in any one postseason game." -- Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein

How it worked out for the Red Sox: As well as anyone could possibly fathom. After becoming the first team in major league history to rally from a 3-0 series deficit, stunning the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS, the Terry Francona-led Red Sox ended their 86-year World Series drought by sweeping the Cardinals. Francona and the Red Sox also won the Fall Classic in 2007, while Boston won it in 2013 under John Farrell.

How it worked out for Little: After serving as a scout for the Cubs from 2004 to 2005, Little was named manager of the Dodgers. He led them to the NL wild card in 2006, but resigned after the 2007 season. Little is now a senior advisor in the front office of the Pirates.

Ned Yost, Milwaukee Brewers (2008)

Credentials: Ryan Braun was raking, CC Sabathia consistently had Cy Young stuff, and the Brewers appeared to be a lock for the NL playoffs. But in September the Brewers, who had a 5 ½-game wild-card lead, hit a massive bump, losing seven of eight, and fell into a tie with the Phillies. Perhaps going into panic mode -- Milwaukee hadn't made it to the postseason in 26 years, after all -- the Brewers pink-slipped manager Ned Yost with 12 games left in the season. It marked the first time in major league history -- except for the strike-split 1981 season -- that a manager was fired in August or later with his team in playoff position, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Post-firing quote: "[Yost] didn't have all the answers for what is going on the last two weeks and I'm not sure I have all the answers. I'm not sure this is the right one, either." -- Brewers general manager Doug Melvin

How it worked out for the Brewers: Under Dale Sveum, the Brewers finished the regular season 7-5 and won the NL wild card by one game over the Mets. The Phillies, who went on to win the World Series, eliminated Milwaukee, 3-1, in the NLDS. Since then, the Brewers have made it back to the postseason just once (2011).

How it worked out for Yost: It's safe to say that he's rebounded. After being hired by the Royals in 2010, Yost led them to a World Series berth in 2014 and a World Series victory in 2015, the first in 30 years for the franchise. Yost, who still leads the team, also became the longest-tenured manager in Royals history in 2015.

NHL

Alain Vigneault, Vancouver Canucks (2012-2013 season)

Credentials: Vigneault was fired by the Canucks after the 2012-13 season when they won their division. Vigneault led the club to six Northwest Division titles, two Presidents' Trophy titles and an appearance in the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. But after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in 2012, the final straw was being swept by the Sharks in the first round in 2013. Vigneault had a 313-170-57 record during seven seasons in Vancouver, and a 33-32 record in the playoffs.

Post-firing quote: "We're in a results-oriented business and if you look at the last two playoffs we've been in, we were the higher-seeded team but lost the first two games at home." -- Canucks president and general manager Mike Gillis

How it worked out for the Canucks: The Canucks have been coached by John Tortorella, Willie Desjardins and Travis Green since Vigneault's departure but have only returned to the playoffs once during that time, losing in the first round in 2015.

How it worked out for Vigneault: Vigneault was hired to coach the New York Rangers and replaced Tortorella, who took over in Vancouver. He led them to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014 and to the playoffs every season until the 2017-2018 one, after which he was fired when they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

Bruce Boudreau, Washington Capitals (2010-2011 season)

Credentials: On paper, Boudreau was responsible for a complete turnaround for the Capitals organization. He took over a floundering team midseason in 2007 and led the Caps to their first playoff appearance since 2003, winning the coach of the year award. That season was the first of four straight division titles under Boudreau, which included the President's Trophy for the 2009-2010 season. After a 5-10 stretch midway through the 2012-2012 season, Boudreau was fired.

Post-firing quote: "Bruce came in here and emptied the tank. He gave it everything he could and did a really good job, but the tank was empty. When that happens, you get a new coach, where the tank is full and see if it makes a difference." -- Caps GM George McPhee

How it worked out for the Capitals: Under Dale Hunter, Adam Oates and Barry Trotz, the Caps continued to make the playoffs (except for one season), but kept their streak of not making the conference finals alive -- until this season. Washington finally broke through in 2018, beating the Penguins in the second round to advance to the conference finals.

How it worked out for Boudreau: Two days after the Caps sent him walking, Boudreau was hired as coach of the Anaheim Ducks. Like he did with Washington, Boudreau led Anaheim to four straight division titles -- but no championships. He was then hired as head coach for the Minnesota Wild, where he just finished his second season with the team -- both of which ended with a first-round playoff loss.

Soccer

Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea (2010-2011 season)

Credentials: A year after winning the "Double" -- a Premier League title and FA Cup crown -- Ancelotti was axed by Chelsea. And apparently the club couldn't wait to can him. Within an hour after second-place Chelsea fell in their final Premier League fixture, a 1-0 loss to Everton, Ancelotti was informed he was being fired while standing just outside of the media suite where he had concluded his postgame press obligations. Ancelotti, who took over Chelsea in 2009, finished with an overall record of 67 wins, 22 losses and 20 draws. His win percentage (63.2) at Chelsea was the third-highest in Premier League history.

Post-firing quote: "The owner and board would like to thank Carlo for his contribution and achievements since taking over as manager in July 2009, which included winning the Double for the first time in the club's history. However, this season's performances have fallen short of expectations and the club feels the time is right to make this change ahead of next season's preparations." -- statement released by Chelsea

How it worked out for Chelsea: Another year, another canned coach. André Villas-Boas was hired in June 2011 to replace Ancelotti, but was fired in March 2012. Chelsea finished in sixth place in the Premier League, but with Roberto Di Matteo serving as interim manager, the club again won the FA Cup and its first Champions League crown. Di Matteo was named full-time manager, but was then -- you guessed it! -- fired five months into the gig.

How it worked out for Ancelotti: He's led some of the world's most famous franchises since being fired by Chelsea. His stops have included Paris Saint-Germain from 2011 to 2013, Real Madrid from 2013 to 2015 and Bayern Munich from 2016 to 2017. In 2014, Ancelotti was runner-up in FIFA World Coach of the Year voting. Ancelotti has not coached since Bayern Munich fired him in September 2017.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Read Again Brow http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23450254/coaches-every-sport-won-got-canned

Bagikan Berita Ini