Did Laimbeer just get a NBA Head Coaching Job?

by Natalie Sitto on June 15, 2009

If any of you follow former Bad Boy Bill Laimbeer, you know of his aspirations of becoming an NBA head coach. Well he’s going to be resigning resigned today as the Head coach of the Detroit’s WNBA Shock. My guess, he’s got a head coaching job lined up.

“The Free Press has learned that former Pistons’ star Bill Laimbeer is expected to resign as the head coach of the WNBA defending champion Shock this afternoon following an immensely successful 6 1/2-year run.

It is believed that Laimbeer’s long-term aspiration is to become an NBA head coach.” Via The Detroit Free Press

And then there’s this (courtesy of Need4Sheed reader Jay)

I guess we will find out soon.

UPDATE: We all saw this coming but just in case you don’t know, former Bad Boy and assistant coach Rick Mahorn will step in for Laimbeer as The Shock’s coach.

{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }

Walter June 15, 2009 at 11:05 am

This is sensationalist reporting at its worst. Not only is Laimbeer’s NBA position “believed,” but your second link’s source is “a little birdie.”
This type of journalism should be avoided at all costs; I’m surprised you would even link this garbage.

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Kelly June 15, 2009 at 11:16 am

Laimbeer has wanted to be a head coach all along so for him to leave the Shock mid season something is up.

As for this being garbage, I doubt it. Nothing wrong with putting what’s already out there up.

Either way, Good luck Bill!

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mobius909 June 15, 2009 at 12:20 pm

i can’t believe detroit wouldn’t even consider him.

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Vin CT June 15, 2009 at 1:00 pm

Wish Dumars gave him a shot

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Mike June 15, 2009 at 1:23 pm

Water, sleep on the wrong side of the bed?
At best, now everyone knows about this huge development.

kisses

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klop June 15, 2009 at 2:02 pm

He would be a thousand times better then curry

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brgulker June 15, 2009 at 2:06 pm

Why would we want Laimbeer (a proven champion) when we could have Michael Curry (a proven below-average role player)?

/sarcasm

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Alwayzreal June 15, 2009 at 2:15 pm

I hope its The Pistons Head Coaching gig…..

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Alwayzreal June 15, 2009 at 2:18 pm

Dumars is scared for someone else to come in get the credit for the teams success,Let go of the limelight Joe D your playing days are over…Let someone else get some shine……Hire Laimbeer,I know the new owner Mrs.D would want that……

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apollo19 June 15, 2009 at 4:05 pm

Aren’t there some questions from the Cavs front office about Mike Brown. I wouldn’t put it past Dan Gilbert and the Cavs to make the move on another Piston. Laimbeer’s sudden resignation fit’s Gilbert’s style of doing things.

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The Fluidics June 15, 2009 at 4:20 pm

Congrats to Mr. Mahorn who will be taking over tough guys duties with the shock.

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Greg Eno June 15, 2009 at 4:22 pm

Wow…can you imagine Kevin McHale hiring Bill Laimbeer?? Johnny Most must be spinning in his grave!!

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KRONIKjose June 15, 2009 at 4:23 pm

I wish Bill the best of luck wherever he ends up going. I wish Joe would have given him a shot. It’s remarkable how SO MANY fans can want a coach so badly, yet no one in the upper management is willing to listen. If they did listen, they would know that Curry was NOT the coach we wanted. Laimbeer will get his shot somewhere and he will probably be successful, I just keep hope alive that it is for the Pistons.

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Natalie Sitto June 15, 2009 at 4:40 pm

I thought the exact same thing!

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Andre June 15, 2009 at 4:42 pm

Im holding out hope that this sudden resignation by Laimbeer is for his new position as head coach for the Detroit Pistons. By resigning now hes giving the Shock the transision period this season. And also I think the Pistons are probably going to have major roster changes this season, which will in all likelyhood lead to another sub-par season, and open the door for Laimbeer to step right in as planned………

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KRONIKjose June 15, 2009 at 4:47 pm

Maybe he can be Curry’s assistant this year, and then show Curry how it’s done next year?

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pistons 4 life June 15, 2009 at 4:50 pm

I was happy to read about this on nba.com and I was excited at first. Then reality set it and I realized that there’s no way Joe would be that smart. But seriously, how could Bill L. be any worse than Curry was last season, or will be again this season. I would love to see him as the pistons coach next season. Who care’s if the guy coached in the WNBA. He won 3 titles in 7 years. That makes him look like Phil Jackson compared to Curry. I’ll keep my hopes up, but if Joe wanted him to coach the Pistons he probably already would be (and fired by now).

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Andre June 15, 2009 at 4:55 pm

I think He knew that Larry Brown or Flip would get credit with their success. I dont think Joe is concerned about that. I believe that in some instances timing is everything…………

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Alex June 15, 2009 at 5:02 pm

McHale is no longer in the front office, and actually isn’t even under contract as the team’s coach. He’s in discussion with their new guy, David Kahn, about the job, but he might not return.

There is a feeling that the Wolves are saying McHale must bring in a head coach as a top assistant if he wants to be the head coach. So, maybe Bill…

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KleenGee June 15, 2009 at 7:19 pm

Last season the Pistons paid both for both Curry and Saunders. If Curry gets fired, and Joe hires Bill, then there are 2 head coaches on the books for 2 more years.

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D David June 15, 2009 at 8:26 pm

Interesting update over here: http://laimbeer.com

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Natalie Sitto June 15, 2009 at 9:06 pm

Good to know, thanks Alex…this one may be the real deal.

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Natalie Sitto June 15, 2009 at 9:06 pm

Nice!

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C.Smith June 15, 2009 at 9:17 pm

This would be a breath of fresh air whether it works out or not. I’d prefer Fozzy from the Muppet Babies over Curry! Wocka, Wocka, Wocka!!! lol!

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Alwayzreal June 15, 2009 at 9:43 pm

lmao…. I’ll take Animal from the Muppets as well

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Ryan June 15, 2009 at 10:10 pm

I want Laimbeer as the Pistons Head Coach!

I wanted him to be the Head Coach of the Pistons since Flip was fired last off-season!

Come on, Dumars!

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rey June 15, 2009 at 10:48 pm

fired, curry. hired bill laimbeer piston, will be better,,,

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joe June 16, 2009 at 12:42 am

the fans shouldn,t show up to the pistons games until joey d get it in his bone head that nobody love curry but him!!!!! hired laimbeer now joey dumb ass!!!

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joe June 16, 2009 at 12:45 am

the only piston that need to be traded is stuckey none jumper shoting ass, not rip

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LiamJones June 16, 2009 at 1:36 am

I sincerely hope that Lamb isn’t going to be the next Timberwolves head coach. I was hoping that Curry would fail again this season (or atleast perform poorly enough as a coach) that the Pistons would finally pull the trigger on Bill. He and Joe would work great together (again) and I think his attitude is everything this team could use right now.

The fact that the Pistons would pass or not even consider Joe now or last year reminds me a lot of MSU and U of M passing on Brain Kelly as their football coach because he didn’t have a big enough name developed yet. DESPITE the fact that he has been a proven winner, and everything he has touched has been gold.

If Lamb goes elsewhere, I think the Pistons organization will be kicking themselves in the butt for passing on such a golden opportunity much like I think MSU and U of M will be in five to ten years down the road.

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LiamJones June 16, 2009 at 1:38 am

“..or not even consider Joe now or last…”
typo, meant to say Lamb there…

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Chad June 16, 2009 at 2:48 am

Joe D will hire lambieer

the lions will win the superbowl

the holocaust never happened.

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jon June 16, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Daniel Pantalleresco June 16, 2009 at 3:03 pm

It would kill me to see him coach against Detroit and win. you know why?… Because it would mean yet again we have failed to make the right choices. For the NEW team we need an old Detroit Champ that knows how to win. I feel like this could head down the road of the Lions. If we do not just use common sense at least 70% of the time. I don’t understand why there is not a conference right now announcing Bill as the new Head Coach of the Detroit Pistons! Don’t you think it would make Bill feel all warm and awesome inside to have Coach Daily’s Job!!!!!! HELLO!!! 2 titles as a bad boy, Three as a bad girl and unlimited as this eras main and lasting coach. RESPECT! LOYALTY! RIVALRY! ENEMIES! KILLER INSTINCT! BILL! NOT KILL BILL!

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pistons 4 life June 16, 2009 at 4:47 pm

Awsome!!

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Richie June 16, 2009 at 6:56 pm

Walter, not only did she’s just passing along things tht other publications have said that are relevant to a Piston great leaving the WNBA and hoping to get involved with the NBA. That’s not “sensationalist” reporting at all, let alone at its worst. It’s relivant, timely and in close in proximity to the readers of this blog. Natalie didn’t make any report of her own, she simply pointed out the reports of two other publications, quoted and attributed them. That’s by the book journalism and this is a blog, so I don’t get your beef.

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Richie June 16, 2009 at 6:59 pm

I agree. Why wouldn’t Joe want a successful coach? If Curry didn’t have another year on his Contract right now (which, let’s face it, will probably be a rebuilding year anyway) by fire yet another coach and waste more money? Timing.

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Richie June 16, 2009 at 7:01 pm

Cock-eyed optimist.

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Richie June 16, 2009 at 7:04 pm

That is funny, but I don’t understand why people think Joe D dislikes Laimbeer? They were championship teammates and I’ve never heard either of them say anything but positive things about each other.

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Richie June 16, 2009 at 7:05 pm

Where did that come from?

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Richie June 16, 2009 at 7:07 pm

Haha, 2/3 maybe?

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Richie June 16, 2009 at 7:20 pm

I ususally don’t ever suggest moves that it’s a GM’s job to make, and I NEVER suggest trades, but what the heck, it’s June and I Just watched Gasol get Kobe an MVP award, so here’s what I think for the Pistons.

I say we sign Hedo Turgkolu for 12 million, put him at PF, and prowl the free agency/draft for another big to feel the starting 5 spot (maybe Chris Kaman). Hire Laimbeer, demote Curry and watch the magic happen.

HC: Laimbeer
AC: Curry

PG: Stuckey
SG: Rip
SF: Tayshaun
PF: Hedo
C: Kaman

Bench:
Bynom
Afflalo
Hermmann
Maxiell
Amir
Kwame
Draft pick.

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Pistonsbaby01 June 17, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Clinton June 19, 2009 at 8:42 am

Hire him as pistons now!

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Violet%9Plante July 28, 2009 at 7:26 pm

yea good statements above :D …;)

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