In a move that stunned fans and observers alike, the Boston Celtics have hired Butler's Brad Stevens to be their next head coach, the team announced Wednesday.
Brad Stevens hired as next Boston Celtics head coach
Out of nowhere, the Boston Celtics have tabbed Butler’s Brad Stevens to be their next head coach, replacing Doc Rivers. At 36, Stevens will be the NBA’s youngest head man.
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There were no rumors linking Stevens with the Celtics' head coaching position prior to Wednesday. In fact, there were no rumors linking Stevens to any sort of NBA head coaching position at all. Stevens had consistently turned down overtures from major college programs, including UCLA this season, and signed a 12-year extension to stay with Butler in 2010. But under our noses, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge hired Stevens away from Butler, making him the 17th head coach of the franchise after Doc Rivers bolted to coach the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Brad and I share a lot of the same values,” Ainge said in a press release. “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.”
Stevens, 36, becomes the NBA’s youngest head coach, as he is two years younger than Jacque Vaughn of the Orlando Magic.
Update: Stevens will receive a six-year contract.
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