Celtics Rumors: Brad Stevens Not Expected to Take Indiana HC Job Despite Buzz

Timothy Rapp @@TRappaRTFeatured ColumnistMarch 19, 2021

Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens reacts after a play during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Houston, Sunday, March 14, 2021. (Troy Taormina/Pool Photo via AP)

Troy Taormina/Associated Press

Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens seems unlikely to take the Indiana men's basketball head coaching position, despite rumors linking him to the vacancy.

According to Chris Mannix of SI.com, "internally, there has been no indication that Stevens is going anywhere, several team officials tell me. Any move to Indiana—and really, it's just social media gossip—would come as a complete shock."

Despite rumors flying around social media, most of the reporting on Stevens suggests that he'll be staying put:

Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops
For what it’s worth, regarding Brad Stevens to IU speculation: The Celtics just finished shootaround. Play the Kings tonight at 7:30. One source: “It was just a normal day. He didn’t seem any different” Celtics sources will be beyond shocked if Stevens leaves for Indiana.

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
For all of you repeatedly tagging me: I've seen the tweet about Brad Stevens and IU. I have no thoughts beyond he said he wasn't leaving the Celtics for the Hoosiers fairly recently. Things can, and often do, change. But I'm gonna stick with what Stevens has said publicly.

Adam Kaufman @AdamMKaufman
Feels notable the only reports on Brad Stevens going to Indiana originate out of...Indiana. No Boston or national reporters seem to be putting any real stock in the rumor. #Celtics

Zach Osterman @ZachOsterman
Per a department source, there is no announcement expected today or this weekend related to IU's ongoing coaching search. Scott Dolson "is very deliberate and taking his time." #iubb

The 44-year-old spent six seasons as the head coach of Butler (2007-13), leading the Bulldogs to a 166-49 record, four Horizon League regular-season titles, three Horizon League conference-tournament titles, five NCAA tournament appearances and two berths in the Final Four in 2010 and 2011 (both ending with title-game losses).

He was hired by the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2013-14 season and has led the team to a 338-266 record in the regular season and six straight playoff appearances.

Given his success at the NBA level, it would be surprising to see Stevens return to the college game. But he is from the state of Indiana, and the DePauw graduate acknowledged this week how much Hoosiers basketball means in the state (h/t Tim Bontemps of ESPN):

"... Obviously, I have a great affinity for that state and basketball in that state. That place was a huge part of what drove my passion for basketball. In fact, it was the central thing. I don't know what challenges each place has because you don't work there. But I know when you're a kid growing up in that state, basketball means a lot and the college programs in the state mean a ton. And, for me growing up, it was certainly IU."

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While Stevens said the support in the state for him to take over the Indiana job was "flattering," he remains committed to the Celtics.

"I also realize that I'm the coach of the Celtics and that's—it's been an amazing opportunity, an amazing challenge every day for the last eight years and I'm extremely grateful for that."