Paul Westhead, the innovative NBA coach known for his high-octane "system" offense, experienced a dramatic career arc marked by triumph, controversy, and reinvention after leading the Los Angeles Lakers to their 1980 championship.

Lakers Firing Drama

Westhead's tenure with the Lakers ended abruptly in November 1981, just 11 games into the 1981-82 season with a 7-4 record. Magic Johnson's public criticism of Westhead's shift to a slower, controlled offense—culminating in Magic requesting a trade—accelerated the decision, though owner Jerry Buss had already been leaning toward a change. This moment, dramatized in HBO's Winning Time , painted Westhead as stubborn for resisting player input, but he later reflected on it as a tough lesson in adaptability.

Post-Lakers Struggles and Rebounds

After the Lakers, Westhead took over as head coach of the Chicago Bulls in 1982-83 but lasted only one mediocre season (27-55), exiting just before Michael Jordan's arrival. He pivoted to college basketball, transforming Loyola Marymount University into an NCAA upset machine in the late 1980s and early 1990s with his frenetic up-tempo style, reaching the Elite Eight in 1990.

Key Achievements at LMU:

  • Led the Lions to a 27-3 record in 1989-90.
  • Set NCAA records for points per game (122.4 average).
  • Produced NBA talents like Bo Kimble and Hank Gathers (tragic losses that added emotional weight to his story).

WNBA and NBA Return

Westhead found major success in women's basketball, winning the 2007 WNBA title as head coach of the Phoenix Mercury before joining the NBA as an assistant with the Seattle SuperSonics. His "Mad Maestro" nickname stuck for his relentless pace, influencing modern offenses.

Recent Highlights

As of early 2026, the 86-year-old Westhead remains active, giving motivational talks—like a pre-game pep talk to Mira Costa High's girls basketball team in January 2026. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2024 alongside Cheryl Reeve, honoring his La Salle University roots. No major health issues or controversies dominate recent forum chatter; discussions often revisit the Lakers firing with mixed views—some blame Magic, others see it as Buss prioritizing stars.

Career Phase| Team/Role| Notable Outcome
---|---|---
1979-81| Lakers Head Coach| 1980 NBA Championship 9
1982-83| Bulls Head Coach| 27-55 record 1
1985-92| Loyola Marymount Head Coach| 1990 Elite Eight 1
2006-07| Mercury Head Coach| WNBA Champions 2
2007-08| Sonics Assistant| NBA return 2

TL;DR: Westhead wasn't "ruined" by the Lakers exit—he thrived elsewhere, cementing a legacy as a coaching pioneer still inspiring teams today.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.