In an unexpected career move, former NBA Coach of the Year Monty Williams is taking his talents to the high school hardwood. Williams has accepted the head coaching position at TMI Episcopal, a prep school in San Antonio, Texas, where he will coach his two sons, Elijah and Micah.
From NBA Sidelines to High School Gymnasium
The transition from NBA head coach to high school coach is an unconventional path, but one that Williams is embracing wholeheartedly. According to sources close to the situation, the opportunity to coach his own children and make a positive impact on young student-athletes was a major factor in his decision.
Coach Williams brings extensive coaching experience, including his most recent roles in the NBA as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns.
TMI Episcopal statement
Williams, who most recently served as head coach of the Detroit Pistons, parted ways with the organization in June 2024 after a disappointing 14-68 season. Prior to his brief stint in Detroit, Williams had found success leading the Phoenix Suns, earning NBA Coach of the Year honors for the 2021-22 season and guiding the team to the 2021 NBA Finals.
A New Chapter in San Antonio
For Williams and his wife Lisa, the move to San Antonio represents a fresh start and an opportunity to focus on family. Their sons, Elijah (class of 2026) and Micah (class of 2029), are both enrolled at TMI Episcopal, making the coaching position a natural fit for the veteran coach.
We are thrilled to welcome coach Williams to this position and look forward to the future of our basketball program under his leadership.
TMI Episcopal statement
The prep school expressed excitement about the addition of Williams to their coaching staff, citing his extensive experience and leadership qualities as key assets for their basketball program.
Wealth of Coaching Experience
Williams brings a wealth of coaching knowledge to TMI Episcopal, having served as an assistant coach for several NBA teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Philadelphia 76ers. His time with the Spurs, where he also held the position of vice president of basketball operations in 2016, provides a unique connection to the San Antonio community.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Williams will undoubtedly draw upon his experiences in the NBA to inspire and develop the young talent at TMI Episcopal. His leadership, basketball acumen, and ability to connect with players have been hallmarks of his coaching career, making him an invaluable asset to the school’s athletic program.
Balancing Family and Coaching
For Williams, the opportunity to coach his sons and be more involved in their lives was a significant factor in his decision to join TMI Episcopal. The demands of being an NBA head coach often meant sacrificing valuable family time, something that weighed heavily on Williams throughout his career.
Coaching my sons and being present for my family is a blessing. I’m excited to take on this new role and make a positive impact on these young student-athletes.
Monty Williams, per sources
By coaching at the high school level, Williams can strike a better balance between his professional and personal life, allowing him to be a more active presence in his children’s lives while still pursuing his passion for coaching basketball.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Monty Williams takes the reins of the TMI Episcopal basketball program, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation surrounding the team’s future. With his impressive coaching pedigree and ability to develop young talent, Williams has the potential to elevate the school’s basketball profile and create a winning culture that extends beyond the court.
While the transition from the NBA to high school coaching may seem unconventional, Williams’ decision to prioritize family and make a difference in the lives of young student-athletes is a testament to his character and values. As he embarks on this new journey, the basketball community will be watching closely, eager to see the impact he will have on the next generation of players.
For now, the focus is on the upcoming season and the opportunity to build something special at TMI Episcopal. With Monty Williams at the helm, the future looks bright for the school’s basketball program, and the San Antonio community can look forward to witnessing the growth and development of these young student-athletes under his guidance.
