Notice of absurd dismissal + No specific reason. Unconventional replacement of KT's head coach. What is the specific reason for the dismissal?
May 21, 2025
|
|
There have been suspicious rumors since three weeks ago. A professional basketball official said, `Suwon KT did not give coach Song Young-jin specific remarks for next season. Outside figures are moving for the head coach of KT's basketball team. There is a possibility that both the coach and the general manager will be replaced." However, it sounded like a rumor going through the professional basketball game where there are numerous rumors. However, it has become a reality.
KT's official position was "I didn't think it was easy to win under the current system." I made a bold decision to win the championship."
Song took over as KT's manager in 2023. At the time, the external announcement was a three-year contract. However, it was a two-plus-one contract.
Coach Song advanced the team to the championship game in the 2023-2024 season. He made it to the semifinals of this season's playoffs.
There may be disagreements about coach Song's leadership, but the terms of the one-year extension contract were sufficient. Usually, they do a lot of 2+1 contracts, but unless it is a severe poor performance or an external accident, the remaining one-year contract is extended. In addition, he was a novice head coach who took over his first managerial position in 2023, but unlike any novice leader, he was a coach with an expectation of the future.
However, KT made a decision.
The problem is that the reason for KT's manager change is not understood. The first reason is that it does not allow another year of opportunity for a young developing head coach.
The second is the process. KT said "decision to win the championship".
If so, KT should have made a decision at the end of the season. Usually, whether to replace the head coach is discussed during the season, and the performance and evaluation are decided as soon as possible after the season is over.
There was a case this season in which Anyang Jeong Kwan-jang broke up with Kim Sang-sik immediately after the season and chose Yoo Do-hoon.
If it was a 'decision to win', KT had to make a decision through intense consideration and meetings during the season. However, the timing of Song's dismissal was bewildering.
This is because the FA market was notified after it opened. Coach Song was notified of his dismissal on the 20th when he visited the club's office to recruit the FA next season.
This is why KT's sudden change is not common sense. Usually, the reason for the rapid replacement of coaches is because of the FA market. To prepare for the next season, the head coach will be replaced, and the FA market will respond according to the head coach's intention.
It has been adopted by most clubs since the launch of professional basketball in 1997.
KT is in the market with the biggest fish in the FA. At a time when the key ace needed to win is in the FA market, both the head coach and the general manager who should play a pivotal role in the decision have been replaced.
When asked about the specific background of the replacement of the head coach, KT Sports Team President Lee Ho-sik said in a phone call, "It was a decision to win the championship."," he stressed. As for the next head coach, "It has not been decided yet."
Multiple officials of professional basketball said in unison, `It is a common sense incomprehensible decision that the team that wants to win is FA's biggest fish, Huh Hoon, has replaced the head coach, and even the next head coach has no plan.'
Lee Ho-sik, president of Kyung Hee University who decided to replace the general manager and coach, is a former gymnast. He became the new president of KT Sports in December 2023 after serving as vice chairman of the Korea Gymnastics Association, vice president of Taereung/Jincheon Athletes' Village, vice chairman of the Korea Sports Association, and senior vice chairman of the Korea Biathlon Federation. Perhaps in sports, he is a person with a lot of fine bones, but his lack of experience in professional basketball is inevitable.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
