Doc Rivers’ exodus to the Western Conference, where he joined the Los Angeles Clippers, left a giant chasm needing to be filled on the Boston bench.
No more.
The Boston Celtics have announced the hiring of their new head coach.
The @Celtics have hired Brad Stevens as their next head coach. Press Release: http://t.co/Psidetrtwo
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 3, 2013
Brad Stevens, the impressive young basketball mind that helped make upstart Butler University Bulldogs become a basketball powerhouse in the midwest, has chosen to leave the college ranks.
After six years as Butler’s head coach, having led the Bulldogs to four Horizon League regular season titles and two NCAA National Championship appearances, the time and opportunity was right for him to go.
He has been one of the most coveted names in coaching circles, being sought after for prominent coaching jobs by teams in both the NCAA and the NBA.
Apparently UCLA didn’t have enough banners hanging for Brad Stevens, so when he left Butler he went to 1 of few places with more. #17ofem
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) July 3, 2013
Many other big names in the media have responded as well.
Need a little time to digest Brad Stevens hire. Danny has gone waaaay out of the box, which is no surprise.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) July 3, 2013
Brad Stevens! HERE COME THE CELTS! (In 3-4 years after they blow it up and rebuild from scratch, but still.)
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) July 3, 2013
Famed college basketball commentator Dick Vitale was taken aback by the news, but offered some insight.