The Dallas Mavericks and head coach Jason Kidd have mutually agreed to end their five-year partnership.
The announcement came on May 19, 2026, just two weeks after the team hired Masai Ujiri as president and governor. The move signals a clear shift in organizational direction under new leadership.
Kidd finished with a 205-205 regular-season record. He guided the franchise back to the NBA Finals during his tenure, restoring a level of success the organization had not reached in several years.
The decision leaves four years and more than $40 million remaining on Kidd’s contract, according to multiple reports. Both sides described the split as amicable and focused on the franchise’s future needs.
Ujiri’s arrival marked the first major front-office change since the team’s most recent deep playoff run. Observers expect the new president to evaluate every aspect of basketball operations, including coaching staff and roster construction.
Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard, joined the Mavericks as head coach in 2021. His teams showed defensive improvement and advanced deep into the postseason in multiple seasons, culminating in the Finals appearance.
The 205-205 mark reflected both the challenges of competing in the Western Conference and the roster’s inconsistency in regular-season performance. Despite the even record, the organization valued the postseason results under Kidd.
With the coaching position now open, the Mavericks begin a search for a successor who aligns with Ujiri’s vision. The front office has not indicated a timeline or identified internal or external candidates.
The mutual parting allows Kidd to pursue other opportunities while giving the Mavericks flexibility to reshape the staff ahead of the next season.
