Brad Stevens, one of the most decorated coaches on the college basketball landscape, has shocked the basketball world and taken a job with the Boston Celtics, filling the void left by Doc Rivers.
As coach of the Butler Bulldogs, Stevens coached the mid-major to consecutive NCAA title games in 2010 and 2011, losing both times to the Duke Blue Devils and Connecticut Huskies. He was a three-time Horizon League champion, and compiled a 166-49 record leading Butler.
In a press release, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said, Though he is young, I see Brad as a great leader who leads with impeccable character and a strong work ethic. His teams always play hard and execute on both ends of the court. Brad is a coach who has already enjoyed lots of success, and I look forward to working with him towards Banner 18."
ESPN reports sources had told Andy Katz that the Celtics had Stevens in mind as soon as Rivers bolted for the Los Angeles Clippers. The Celtics had several conversations on the phone with Stevens, then executives flew to Indianapolis for an in-person meeting, the only one the two sides had. Stevens accepted Boston's offer at that very meeting.
The move is a blow to the Butler program, which will play in the Big East for the first time this upcoming season. Despite the impact of such a talented coach leaving, the two sides go their separate ways on good terms. Butler's athletic director Barry Collier tweeted, "Many thanks to Coach Brad Stevens for his outstanding leadership at #Butler. A fantastic person and we wish him well."
In a statement, Stevens also had kind words for Butler, saying, "Our family is thrilled for the opportunity given to us by the leadership of the Boston Celtics, but it is emotional to leave a place that we have called home for the past 13 years. We truly love Butler University and Indianapolis, and are very thankful to have had the opportunity to celebrate so many wonderful things together."
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