Celtics hire Butler's Brad Stevens as head coach
Brad Stevens coached Butler University to back-to-back national championship games in 2010-11. (Getty Images)
The Celtics' summer of wholesale change now includes a new head coach from the college ranks with no NBA coaching experience.
The team announced Wednesday an agreement with Butler University coach Brad Stevens to become the franchise's 17th head coach.
Stevens, 36, was 166-49 in six seasons at Butler, lifting the Bulldogs among NCAA heavyweights by playing in national championship games against Duke in 2010 and Connecticutt in 2011.
Stevens brings a reputation for placing a high value on basketball analytics including recording practice statistics, tracking the efficiency of specific set plays and breaking down the statistical tendencies of opponents.
The Celtics, who traded head coach Doc Rivers to the Clippers last week, liked Stevens' values, character and work ethic.
From the Celtics' website:
"Brad and I share a lot of the same values," said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. "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."
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Stevens said the decision to leave Butler was an emotional one.
From the Butler University website:
"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," said Stevens. "We truly love Butler University and Indianapolis, and are very thankful to have had the opportunity to celebrate so many wonderful things together. What makes Butler truly unique is the people that we have been so blessed to work with. When it comes time for our kids to look at schools, we will start with Butler University."
