Why did Paul Westhead get fired? We shed light on the circumstances that precipitated Paul Westhead’s departure and the aftermath that ensued within one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.
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Who is Paul Westhead?
Paul William Westhead, born on February 21, 1939, is a retired American basketball coach renowned for his versatile coaching career across various leagues. He made his mark coaching in multiple basketball arenas, including the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), American Basketball Association (ABA), and Japan Basketball League (JBL).
Notably, Westhead’s NBA coaching debut with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979-80 was a remarkable success. In his first year as a head coach in the league, he guided rookie Magic Johnson and the Lakers to the 1980 NBA Finals, securing the championship in a six-game victory. His unconventional approach to coaching, characterized by an up-tempo playing style dubbed “The System,” set him apart.
This high-paced, run-and-gun strategy aimed to maximize offensive opportunities, a style that delivered results during his coaching tenure. Westhead’s coaching prowess extended beyond the NBA, as he secured titles in the WNBA as well.
Fondly nicknamed “The Professor” due to his former career as an English teacher and his habit of weaving literary references, including Shakespeare, into his coaching, Westhead left an indelible mark on the basketball landscape.
Full Name | Paul William Westhead |
Birthdate | February 21, 1939 |
Birthplace | Philadelphia, PA, USA |
Age | 84 years old |
High School | West Catholic Preparatory High School |
College | Saint Joseph’s University – Hawk Hill Campus |
Why Did Paul Westhead Get Fired?
Paul Westhead’s firing as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in 1981 stemmed from a combination of factors, primarily centered around a clash of coaching philosophies and strained relationships with key players, most notably Magic Johnson. While Westhead’s run-and-gun style of coaching, known as “The System,” had brought the Lakers an NBA championship in his first year as interim head coach, his transition to the permanent position led to friction.
Johnson and some teammates were reportedly skeptical of Westhead’s offensive game plan, leading to a deteriorating locker room atmosphere. Westhead’s refusal to adapt and his perceived inability to manage the team’s star players ultimately contributed to his downfall. Magic Johnson’s trade request in 1981, combined with the Lakers’ poor start to the season, prompted the organization to fire Westhead and seek a new direction under Pat Riley’s leadership.
When Did Paul Westhead Leave the Lakers?
Paul Westhead left his position as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1981-82 NBA season. His departure followed a turbulent start to the season, marked by a 2-4 record and strained relationships within the team.
The tipping point was reached when Magic Johnson and Westhead clashed during a game against the Utah Jazz. Johnson’s trade request, combined with the Lakers’ struggles and internal conflicts, led to Westhead’s firing.
Following his departure, Pat Riley took over coaching duties and steered the Lakers to a successful season, culminating in another championship victory. This marked the end of Westhead’s tenure with the Lakers, as Riley successfully took over the team and guided them to continued success.
Paul Westhead in the Los Angeles Lakers
Paul Westhead’s tenure as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers was marked by a combination of success and internal conflicts. He took over the coaching reins from Jack McKinney, initially serving as an assistant before becoming the interim head coach due to McKinney’s bicycle accident.
Westhead’s first year as coach coincided with a memorable achievement as the Lakers, led by rookie Magic Johnson and star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, clinched the 1980 NBA Finals championship by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in six games. This marked the onset of the Lakers’ Showtime era. Despite this triumph, tensions soon emerged between Westhead and Johnson.
Disagreements arose over the team’s offensive approach, with Johnson advocating for a fast-break style that aligned with his playmaking abilities, while Westhead favored a more isolation-centered approach centered around Abdul-Jabbar.
As friction escalated between Westhead and Johnson, the team’s performance declined, and the Lakers faced a playoff defeat against the Houston Rockets led by Moses Malone. The strained relationship between Westhead and Johnson ultimately culminated in Westhead’s firing early in his third season with the Lakers. He was succeeded by Pat Riley, an assistant coach he had hired.
While there is speculation that Magic Johnson played a role in orchestrating Westhead’s departure, Lakers owner Jerry Buss had reportedly considered firing Westhead prior to Johnson’s involvement. Westhead concluded his Lakers coaching stint with a record of 111 wins and 50 losses.
Paul Westhead Coaching Career
Paul Westhead’s extensive coaching career spans across various levels of basketball, including collegiate, professional, and international leagues. His coaching journey is marked by a diverse range of experiences and notable accomplishments:
Collegiate Coaching:
- Westhead’s coaching career began at La Salle University, where he served as the head coach for the men’s basketball team from 1970 to 1979.
- During his time at La Salle, he achieved notable successes, including regular season and tournament championships in conferences such as the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) and the East Coast Conference (ECC).
- He later coached at Loyola Marymount University’s men’s basketball program from 1985 to 1990, achieving further recognition with regular season and tournament championships in the West Coast Conference (WCC). He was named WCC Coach of the Year twice during his tenure.
NBA Coaching:
- Westhead’s NBA coaching career began as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979. He transitioned to the head coaching role for the Lakers and led the team to an NBA championship victory in 1980, driven by the partnership of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
- He also served as the head coach for the Chicago Bulls in the 1982-83 season and later coached the Denver Nuggets from 1990 to 1992.
- Westhead’s NBA coaching record reflects his time with the Lakers, the Bulls, and the Nuggets, amassing a combined record of 183 wins and 224 losses.
Other Coaching Roles:
- Westhead ventured into coaching international basketball, including serving as the head coach for the Panasonic Super Kangaroos and the Long Beach Jam.
- He also ventured into the WNBA, achieving a championship victory as the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury in 2007.
- Westhead’s coaching career extended to the college level as well, coaching the men’s basketball team at George Mason University and eventually the women’s basketball team at the University of Oregon.
- His accomplishments include championships, conference titles, and recognition for his coaching prowess across various levels of basketball.
Throughout his coaching career, Paul Westhead left a lasting impact on the game with his innovative strategies, diverse coaching experiences, and significant accomplishments.
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