The Detroit Pistons made another significant statement by releasing head coach Monty Williams from his duties, per Adrian Wojnarowski from ESPN. Reports indicated that Detroit's front office discussed Williams' future with the franchise heavily. The conversation accelerated after the conclusion of the NBA Finals where they decided it was time to move in a new direction.

Last year's troubling 14-68 finish issued a need for big changes in Detroit. That change is finally taking shape since hiring Trajan Langdon as the new Pistons President of Basketball Operations. The new regime has removed Troy Weaver as General Manager and hired former New Orleans Pelicans assistant Fred Vinson to the coaching staff. Firing Williams after just one season certainly has a shocking feel but it cements that the Pistons are looking for a fresh start.

Team owner Tom Gores made the final call to let Williams go after many puzzling coaching decisions. Reports have stated they are focused on finding a new voice to help develop the young core of this franchise over the next several years. After the pattern of hiring veteran coaches to lead inexperienced rosters, we could see Detroit follow a new route in their next head coach hiring.

Here are some of the best options the Pistons should consider:

Jamelle McMillan

Even with only one season under his belt as the lead voice of the Motor City Cruise bench, Jamelle McMillan has garnered plenty of respect as a coach. McMillan stepped in as the second head coach in Cruise history after eleven years as an NBA development and assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Atlanta Hawks led by his father Nate McMillan.

McMillan also played four years of collegiate basketball at Arizona State. Cruise players like guard Zavier Simpson complemented his hands-on coaching style and how relatable he is as a former player. McMillan earned NBA G-League Coach of the Month honors last season after helping the Cruise start 6-2 in November.

McMillan's success assisted in NBA call-up opportunities for Simpson, Stanley Umude, Jared Rhoden, Jontay Porter, Buddy Boeheim, and Tosan Evbuomwan. His familiarity with the current Pistons roster and working with young players could give him credible consideration.

Chris Quinn

One of the most intriguing names on the hiring market will be Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn. After a six-year playing career with four teams, the former guard was hired to the Heat staff as a player-development coach and an assistant coach for the past ten years. Quinn even filled in as head coach for Erik Spoelstra last season on a victorious 144-115 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in April.

NBA teams have considered Quinn for head coach openings dating back to last offseason. He was a strong candidate for the Brooklyn Nets opening and he has interviewed with the Hornets twice before they hired Charles Lee. Quinn's resume holds high quality and he should be on the radar of the Pistons during their search.

James Borrego

James Borrego is expected to be high on the Pistons' list for head coach consideration, as reported by Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports. Borrego is currently an associate head coach of the Pelicans and has already generated some buzz around the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers have already interviewed the 46-year-old on his availability and interest.

The Pelicans connection already makes sense with Langdon stepping in as the new leader of the Pistons' front office. Borrego has put in over 20 years of time as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs, Pelicans, and Orlando Magic. His first head coach opportunity was in an interim role with the Magic 2014-15. He was then hired to lead the Hornets from 2018 through 2022. Charlotte finished 148-183 under Borrego and made it to the play-in tournament twice.

Kenny Atkinson

While he may not be a young coach waiting for a breakthrough opportunity, the credentials of Kenny Atkinson are worth noting as the Detroit Pistons. His coaching career dates back to 2004 as an assistant coach for Paris overseas. Since transitioning to the NBA coaching circuit in 2008, Atkinson has been well-respected and highly regarded when head coaching openings occur.

Atkinson is currently on staff for the Golden State Warriors after working as an assistant coach with the New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Clippers. The Brooklyn Nets offered his first head coaching role in 2016 until 2020. Atkinson's coaching was a significant factor in turning the Nets into a playoff team with budding talents like Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, D'Angelo Russell, and others.

The Hornets offered Atkinson to step in as their new head coach back in 2022. He opted to remain with the Warriors as an assistant instead of taking charge of Charlotte. This could be a tough angle for the Pistons if he is not interested in helping another rebuild. Detroit should still consider Atkinson to lead this young core featuring Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson.