Mavericks fans are hoping major changes — from a new president and GM to coach Jason Kidd’s exit — can revive a franchise after a painful season.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are entering a new era after a series of major leadership changes that fans hope can revive the struggling franchise.
The organization recently hired Masai Ujiri as president and Mike Schmitz as general manager. Now, the team is searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Jason Kidd, who led the Mavericks from 2021 through the 2025-26 season.
“It’s gotta be a new era,” Mavericks fan Jordan Thompson said.
The shakeup follows a difficult season in Dallas. The Mavericks finished with just 26 wins and 56 losses, leaving many fans frustrated and disconnected from the team.
“In fact, I didn’t watch a lot frankly, because it was so difficult to watch,” longtime fan Devin Benton said.
For some fans, disappointment surrounding the team extends beyond the losing record.
“The results speak for themselves,” Thompson said. “You have to correct that ship.”
Questions about the franchise’s direction intensified after the controversial trade of Luka Dončić, a move several fans say changed their outlook on the organization.
“It has been hard after Luka was traded in the way that happened,” Thompson said. “It really just kind of soured my outlook on the team for a while and kind of just gave you pain.”
Kidd’s departure closes another significant chapter in Mavericks history. The Hall of Famer was drafted by Dallas in 1994 and played two separate stints with the franchise, including during the team’s lone NBA championship run in 2011.
“I think he’s probably got a soft spot in every Mavs fan’s heart,” Benton said.
As head coach, Kidd guided the Mavericks through multiple playoff appearances and an NBA Finals run, though the team ultimately fell short of winning a title.
Ujiri, who took over as team president two weeks ago, has emphasized winning as the organization’s priority moving forward.
“This game is about winning,” Ujiri said during his news conference. “And we all want to focus on this direction.” He took accountability for the decision on parting ways with Kidd.
Fans now hope the new leadership group can stabilize a franchise many believe has lost its footing.
“They’ve got some adults in the room making decisions, I think,” Benton said.
The Mavericks are now searching for their next head coach as the organization continues rebuilding from the top down. “We need some hope,” Benton said.
To stream WFAA on your phone, you need the WFAA app.
Download the WFAA app
