The Celtics announced Wednesday that former C's player and coach Chris Ford has passed away. The following were statements from the Ford family and the Celtics' organization:
Ford Family Statement:
The Ford family is sad to announce the passing of Chris on January 17, 2023. Chris was beloved by his family, friends, and teammates. He had a great love for his family, the city of Boston, the fans, and the entire Celtics family. He always showed humility and respect for all those that were fortunate enough to be a part of his life.
Boston Celtics Statement:
As a player and coach, Chris Ford’s career spanned over a decade of Celtics basketball, and he made his mark every step of the way. He was a member of three NBA World Championship Boston Celtics teams, one as a key player on the 1981 Champions, and subsequently as an assistant coach for the 1984 and 1986 champs. Ford went on to become the team’s eleventh head coach, leading his former teammates Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish to multiple playoff appearances in the trio’s final days together. ‘Doc,’ as he was affectionately known by his teammates, was a fundamentally versatile all-around guard. He was voted the team’s MVP in his first season with the Celtics, and he is famously credited with scoring the NBA’s first three-point basket. Ford joined an elite group of Celtics’ personnel (Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn, and K.C. Jones) who have earned championship rings as both a player and coach with the organization. The Boston Celtics sends their deepest sympathies to the Ford family and their many friends.
Ford, who was 74 years old, grew up in New Jersey and played collegiately at Villanova. He was traded from Detroit to Boston in 1978 for Earl Tatum. He would go on to average 15.1 points per game for the 1978-79 Celtics, and was a member of the 1981 NBA championship team. He retired after the 1981-82 season.
Ford, who made the first three-pointer in NBA history, became the head coach of the Celtics from 1990-95, going on to also guide the Clippers, Bucks and Sixers. From 2001-03 he coached Div. 3 Brandeis.