Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has once again ruled out a return to the college ranks after his name surfaced in the University of North Carolina’s coaching search.
Stevens confirmed he is committed to his current role when asked about the speculation linking him to the Tar Heels, who began exploring options after parting ways with Hubert Davis. “I’m not motivated to do anything but what I’m doing,” he told reporters, according to MassLive’s Brian Robb.
Multiple outlets reported that North Carolina identified Stevens as a prime candidate but that he withdrew from consideration early in the process. The school ultimately hired former NBA coach Michael Malone.
The 47-year-old executive has been with Boston since 2013 and transitioned from head coach to front-office leader in 2021. During that span, the Celtics have captured an NBA championship and remained a perennial contender.
Stevens often appears on shortlists for high-profile NCAA positions because of his success at Butler University, where he guided the Bulldogs to consecutive national championship games. Each time, however, he has opted to stay in the NBA.
For now, league sources continue to view a college move by Stevens as highly unlikely, and he shows no sign of changing that stance.
Source: Hoops Wire
