Brad Stevens Addresses Rumors of Leaving Celtics for College Coaching Job

Jack Simone | Apr 16, 2024

Oct 2, 2023; Boston, Celtics, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

When Brad Stevens joined the Boston Celtics for the 2013-14 season, he left a Butler University men's basketball head coaching job that he held for six years. He finished his tenure with the Bulldogs with a 166–49 record—the second-best winning percentage in school history (minimum 100 games coached).

Stevens, a native of Zionsville, Indiana, enjoyed a fruitful career at the Indianapolis-based university before entering the NBA ranks.

From coach to President of Basketball Operations, Stevens has found a home in Boston. Yet no matter how long he spends with the Celtics, he will constantly be connected to college jobs, especially ones that pop up in his home state of Indiana.

Seth Davis of CCBS Sports tweeted as recently as Apr. 14 of this year about Stevens potentially heading back to college. “Don’t rule it out,” Davis tweeted, hinting at the possibility of him being linked to an Indiana gig that could open up in the near future.

When asked about the connections on Tuesday, Stevens shook off the idea.

“I don’t get into any of the rumor stuff,” Stevens said. “I’ve got a heck of an opportunity here. We’ve been here 11 years now and got the chance to see this team do a lot of cool things and go a long way. 

“Our goals have been the same since we’ve moved here. We’d like to get over that hump. I’ve got plenty enough to do right now rather than think about all that stuff.” 

Among the potential college basketball head coaching gigs that could become available, Mike Woodson’s position at the University of Indiana stands out. The Hoosiers missed the tournament this year, but Woodson will reportedly be back on the bench as the leader next season.

Further Reading

Brad Stevens Notes Crucial Element of Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'Bigger Than Themselves'

After Career Night, Reflective Payton Pritchard Discusses NBA Journey and His Ultimate Pursuit

'Nip That in the Bud': Celtics Address End-of-Season Struggles

Jrue Holiday on Celtics Extension: 'Try to Get More Banners, Get More Rings'

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'