Boston Celtics Fire Head Coach Brad Stevens, Ending Tenure After 7 Years
The Boston Celtics have made the shocking decision to part ways with head coach Brad Stevens, ending his tenure with the team after seven seasons. The news comes just hours after the Celtics’ 102-94 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Stevens, who was hired by the Celtics in 2013, had been a key figure in the team’s success, leading them to seven consecutive playoff appearances and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2018. However, the team’s recent performance has been disappointing, and the decision to fire Stevens was reportedly made due to a lack of progress and a desire for a new direction.
“We are grateful for the time and effort Brad has given to our organization, but we believe it is time for a change,” said Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations, Danny Ainge. “We are excited to explore new opportunities and find a coach who can help us achieve our goals.”
The news has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, with many fans and players expressing their disappointment at Stevens’ departure. The Celtics’ players were also saddened by the news, with many taking to social media to pay tribute to their former coach.
“I’m going to miss him,” said Celtics’ point guard Kyrie Irving. “He’s an incredible coach and an even better person. I’m grateful for the time we had together on this team.”
The search for a new coach is expected to begin immediately, with several high-profile candidates already being mentioned as potential replacements. The Celtics are expected to be aggressive in their search, with a desire to find a coach who can help them return to their winning ways.
Stevens’ tenure with the Celtics was marked by many highlights, including a 50-win season in 2017-2018 and a trip to the NBA Finals in 2010. He will always be remembered as one of the most successful coaches in Celtics history, and his departure will leave a void in the franchise.
The Celtics will hold a press conference later today to discuss the decision and introduce their new head coach.
