Brad Stevens: A Dream Candidate, But Not Available
Many Indiana men’s basketball fans view Brad Stevens as the ideal candidate to replace Mike Woodson as head coach. However, Stevens, the president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, has decisively ruled himself out of contention. In a recent interview with Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68, Stevens expressed his deep appreciation for his current role and the people he works with daily at the Celtics. "I thoroughly appreciate being a Celtic and love the people I get to work with every day," Stevens said, making it clear that he has no interest in leaving the NBA to return to college basketball. This announcement comes as a significant blow to Hoosiers fans who had hoped to bring home one of Indiana’s most successful coaches.
A Steep Decline for the Hoosiers
Mike Woodson stepped down as Indiana’s head coach last week, leaving a team that has seen a dramatic downturn in performance. The Hoosiers currently stand at 6-8 in Big Ten play and 15-10 overall, heading into their Friday night matchup with UCLA (18-7, 9-5). This decline is stark, especially considering their promising start to the season. The team began with a 7-2 non-conference record and a strong 6-1 mark in the early part of their conference schedule. The second half of the season, however, has been a struggle, raising concerns about the program’s direction and the need for a strong, experienced leader to steer it back to success.
Brad Stevens’ College Legacy
Stevens has long been a revered figure among Indiana basketball enthusiasts. An Indiana native, he achieved tremendous success as the head coach at Butler University from 2007 to 2013. During his six-year tenure, he led the Bulldogs to five NCAA tournament appearances, two Final Four berths, and two national championship games. His overall record at Butler was an impressive 166-49, with four Horizon League regular-season titles and three conference tournament championships. Stevens’ ability to cultivate a winning culture and develop young talent made him a natural choice for many Hoosiers fans who are eager to see a similar resurgence at Indiana.
Transition to the NBA
In 2013, Stevens made the leap from college to the NBA, becoming the head coach of the Boston Celtics. Over the next seven seasons, he guided Boston to six postseason berths, including one Atlantic Division title and three Eastern Conference finals. His record during this period was an impressive 354-282, demonstrating his adaptability and coaching acumen at the professional level. When Danny Ainge stepped down to join the Utah Jazz, Stevens was promoted to president of basketball operations and general manager, a role that has further solidified his reputation as a strategic and effective leader. Under his executive direction, the Celtics have continued to thrive, advancing to the 2022 NBA Finals and winning the championship last season under interim head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Stevens’ Executive Success
Stevens’ executive tenure has been marked by several high-profile decisions and significant achievements. In 2022, he orchestrated a team that nearly reached the pinnacle of the NBA, losing in the Finals to the Golden State Warriors in a closely contested six-game series. Following the suspension of head coach Ime Udoka for violating team policies, Stevens made the bold move to promote Joe Mazzulla, who not only stabilized the team but also led them to an NBA championship, cementing Stevens’ status as one of the league’s top executives. Stevens was subsequently named NBA Executive of the Year, an honor that underscores his impact and the respect he commands in the basketball community.
The Search Continues for Indiana
With Stevens taking himself out of the running, Indiana must now explore other avenues to fill its head coach position. Several names have emerged as potential candidates, including UCLA’s Mick Cronin and Michigan’s Dusty May, who is an Indiana alum and former student manager under legendary coach Bob Knight. Both coaches bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, making them viable options for the Hoosiers. The challenge for Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson will be to find a coach who can not only revive the program’s fortunes but also resonate with the passionate Indiana fan base, something Stevens was uniquely positioned to do. As the search continues, the focus will be on identifying a leader who can build a strong, cohesive team and restore the program’s glory.
