I don’t think anybody saw this coming. The Boston Celtics named Butler head coach Brad Stevens as their new coach, replacing the recently departed Doc Rivers.
This is a bold hire for a team that is obviously rebuilding. Stevens has long been considered the premier up and coming coach in college but despite lots of rumors of jumping to a bigger program, he stayed with the Bulldogs. He guided the mid major into a powerhouse that made it to consecutive NCAA Championship Games, and came within a bounce of upsetting Duke in the 2010 championship game.
Stevens is only 36 years old, which would make him one of the youngest players on the rival Knicks, and he has a tremendous upside. This move is similar to when Billy Donovan agreed to coach the Orlando Magic before abruptly changing his mind and returning to the University of Florida
Breaking News: Brad Stevens To Take Boston Celtics Coaching Position –> http://t.co/pNqJl0M1Wu
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) July 3, 2013
Boston Celtics Superfan and unbiased media member Bill Simmons of ESPN apparently enjoyed the news.
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