Jason Kidd Says He's 'Proud' of What Mavs Built, Has 'Nothing But Gratitude' After Firing

Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd isn't harboring any ill will toward the team after being fired this week.

Kidd released a statement on social media thanking the Mavs organization, saying he's "proud of what we built" and he has "nothing but gratitude and respect for everyone who was part of this journey."

Kidd was fired on Tuesday following five seasons as head coach of the Mavs, who had also drafted him second overall in 1994. He had a 205-205 overall record with two playoff appearances, advancing to the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024.

Mavs president Masai Ujiri, who was hired two weeks ago, accepted responsibility for Kidd's firing while speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

"What he's done for this organization we truly respect, so this was a very, very tough decision," Ujiri said. "I have to be accountable with a decision like this. I also have to be very active in how I look at the organization from top to bottom."

Kidd is still a respected basketball mind, so he could be a top coaching candidate for teams with openings, such as the Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic or Chicago Bulls.

Meanwhile, the Mavs will be embarking on a new era in 2026-27. Ujiri will have to identify the right person to lead the development of 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg as Dallas tries to emerge from its rebuild and return to playoff contention.