One day after the Mavericks announced they were parting ways with head coach Jason Kidd, the team’s new President Masai Ujiri explained why he made the move. Mike Doocy and Sam Gannon discuss the latest Mavs news, as well as some more World Cup previews, in the latest episode of Free 4 All+.
DALLAS – Former Dallas Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd is sharing his thoughts for the first time since parting ways with the team.
In a letter posted on social media, he thanked the players, the fans, and the entire city of Dallas.
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DALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center on December 23, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agre –>
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What they’re saying:
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“The last five years in Dallas have meant more to my family and me than I can fully put into words,” Kidd said in his letter.
He went on to thank the Mavericks organization and everyone who works with the team, saying it’s been an honor to work alongside so many incredible people.
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He thanked the players and said he’s proud of “what we built.”
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He also thanked fans for embracing and supporting him and the team with so much passion.
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“Your energy, loyalty, and love for the Mavericks make Dallas one of the truly special places in sports,” he wrote.
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Kidd said he’s leaving with nothing but “gratitude and respect for the everyone who was part of this journey.”
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What’s next:
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The Mavericks have already started a comprehensive search for a new head coach.
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Kidd has not yet announced his future plans.
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The backstory:
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Kidd had been head coach of the Mavs since June 28, 2021, taking over for former coach Rick Carlisle.
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He compiled 205 wins and 205 losses in the regular season with the team. The Mavericks went 26-56 during the 2025-2026 season.
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Kidd guided the team to the 2022 Western Conference Finals in his first season, where they fell to the Golden State Warriors in five games.
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In 2024, he took the team a step further, reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. The Mavs lost that series to the Boston Celtics in five games.
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As a player, Kidd played for the Mavericks in two separate stints, and was a key piece of the 2011 Mavs team that won the first championship in franchise history.
The Dallas Mavericks and head coach Jason Kidd mutually agreed to part ways on Tuesday evening.
The Mavericks announced on Tuesday that they had mutually agreed to part ways with Kidd.
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He was less than a year into a multi-year contract extension and reportedly still had more than $40 million left on that contract.
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However, the team recently signed Masi Ujiri as its new president and Kidd’s extension was inked under former general manager Nicco Harrison, who was fired in November.
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Ujiri was non-committal on Kidd’s future when asked during his introductory press conference earlier this month.
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The Source: The information in this story comes from a letter Jason Kidd posted on social media and past news coverage.
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