Brad Stevens to replace Danny Ainge in Celtics’ front office originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Major changes are coming in the Boston Celtics‘ leadership.
Brad Stevens will transition from his role as Celtics head coach to become Boston’s head of basketball operations, the team confirmed Wednesday Stevens will replace Danny Ainge, who plans to resign as Celtics president of basketball operations.
Ainge will continue to work with the Celtics on a transition plan this offseason before stepping away from the team, while the C’s will begin their search for a new head coach.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports Stevens “welcomed” the transition from head coach to a front office role after a trying season in which the C’s finished 36-36 and lost to the Brooklyn Nets in the first round.
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reported earlier Wednesday that Ainge isn’t expected to retire, so he may seek an NBA opportunity elsewhere after serving as Boston’s de facto general manager since 2003.
The 62-year-old had been Boston’s de facto general manager since 2003 and was the NBA’s third-longest tenured GM behind San Antonio Spurs head coach/president Gregg Popovich and Miami Heat president Pat Riley.
As for Stevens, the 44-year-old will take his first front-office role after eight seasons as Boston’s head coach.
“I’m grateful to ownership and to Danny for trusting me with this opportunity,” Stevens said in a statement. “I’m excited to tackle this new role, starting with a wide ranging and comprehensive search for our next head coach.
“I love the Celtics, and know the great honor and responsibility that comes with this job. I will give it everything I have to help us be in position to consistently compete for championships.”