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Detroit Pistons not surprised John Beilein left for NBA. They almost hired him

Travel through time through the John Beilein era for Michigan basketball. Wochit, Wochit

John Beilein's decision to leave Michigan basketball and accept the Cleveland Cavaliers' head coaching job on Monday stunned many people in the basketball world.

Detroit Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem isn't among that group.

When the Pistons parted ways with Stan Van Gundy after last season, Beilein nearly became their coach. He interviewed for the position and made a powerful impression but the Pistons ultimately couldn't pass up on former Toronto coach Dwane Casey, who was fired after the Raptors were eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals.