In a wild day of moves for the Boston Celtics organization, Danny Ainge stepped down as president of basketball operations and head coach Brad Stevens took his place. Speculation immediately began, of course, about who will replace Stevens. And the betting odds are out for who might get the honor of being the next head coach of the Celtics.
The odds favor Jay Larranaga, former professional basketball player and current Celtics assistant coach, at +300. Larranaga interviewed for the job after Doc Rivers left the team in 2013, but Stevens got the job. Could this finally be his time?
Next on the list is former NBA player and current Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach, Jason Kidd at +500. Behind him is former player and current Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach, Chauncey Billups at +600.
Sam Cassell, former player and current Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach, has +700 odds for the job. Notably, Cassell was a crucial member of the Celtics’ 2008 NBA championship team. He is also Kendrick Perkins’ favorite for the job.
Becky Hammon is also on the list with +1400 odds. Hammon is a former WNBA player who now serves as a San Antonio Spurs assistant coach.
Mike Krzyzewski, who announced his retirement on Wednesday as the Duke head coach, is also in the mix at +3300, along with Larry Bird at +5000, and Rick Pitino with +10000 odds.
In the Celtics’ press conference on Wednesday addressing the Ainge and Stevens moves, it was announced Stevens will be leading the search for the team’s next head coach.
“I’m excited to tackle this new role, starting with a wide ranging and comprehensive search for our next head coach,” Stevens said. “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.”
Let’s hope so.
Lucy is a sports betting content producer with Audacy and BetQL. She has worked with WEEI and Audacy as a writer, radio producer and podcaster. Lucy lives in Boston and loves Tom Brady and prop bets. Follow Lucy on Twitter at @LucilleBurdge.
