Celtics Rumors: Rick Carlisle Not Considered HC Candidate; Billups, Udoka, Ham in Mix

Rick Carlisle may find a new head coaching job this offseason, but it doesn't seem like the Boston Celtics will be his eventual landing spot. 

Per Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald, Carlisle isn't considered a strong candidate to replace Brad Stevens as Celtics head coach.

Carlisle has a connection to the Celtics, having spent the first three years of his playing career with the team from 1984-87. The shooting guard won an NBA title during the 1985-86 season.

The Celtics restructured their organization after losing to the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the playoffs. Stevens was promoted to president of basketball operations after Danny Ainge stepped down from the post. 

Stevens' ascent has left Boston without a head coach going into the offseason. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on June 9 that Stevens finished interviewing in-house assistants for the job and received permission to speak with several outside candidates. 

Los Angeles Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups, Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, Milwaukee Bucks assistant Charles Lee, Nets assistant Ime Udoka and Dallas Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley were among the initial candidates to be interviewed.

Wojnarowski added on Friday that Udoka, Ham and Billups are among the group of candidates who will receive a second interview with the Celtics. 

Dallas Mavericks governor Mark Cuban announced on Thursday that Carlisle was stepping down as head coach. The 61-year-old has been linked to the Milwaukee Bucks if Mike Budenholzer isn't brought back as well as the Indiana Pacers, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon  (h/t RealGM).   

Carlisle went 555-478 with nine playoff appearances and one NBA championship (2011) in 13 seasons with the Mavs.   

The Celtics finished the 2020-21 season with a 36-36 record. They have made the playoffs in each of the past seven seasons.