In an announcement that shook both the NCAA basketball and NBA universe Wednesday, the Boston Celtics hired former Butler Bulldogs head coach Brad Stevens to replace Doc Rivers as head coach.
The hiring was kept totally under wraps and was simply announced in a tweet by the Celtics Wednesday evening.
The @Celtics have hired Brad Stevens as their next head coach. Press Release: http://t.co/Psidetrtwo
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 3, 2013
At just 36 years old, Stevens has been one of the hottest commodities in college coaching since leading the Bulldogs to six-straight NCAA tournament appearances, including back-to-back national championship games in 2010 and 2011. He has repeatedly declined offers from the likes of UCLA and other top college programs to remain at Butler, where he had signed an extension through 2021-2022.
"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 in a statement.
"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."
Said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge in a statement, "Brad and I share a lot of the same values. 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."
According to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowsk, Stephens' contract is worth $22 million over six years.
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