Boston Celtics hire Butler’s Brad Stevens as new coach

The Boston Celtics have hired Brad Stevens of Butler to replace Doc Rivers as coach, the team and university announced Wednesday afternoon.

Stevens, 36, guided Butler to the 2010 and 2011 NCAA tournament championship games, compiling a 166-49 record in six seasons with the Bulldogs.

“Our family is thrilled for the opportunity given to us by the leadership of the Boston Celtics, but it is emotional to leave a place that we have called home for the past 13 years,” Stevens said in a statement released by the university.

“We truly love Butler University and Indianapolis, and are very thankful to have had the opportunity to celebrate so many wonderful things together. What makes Butler truly unique is the people that we have been so blessed to work with. When it comes time for our kids to look at schools, we will start with Butler University.”

Stevens will become the 17th coach in Celtics history. The team did not release information regarding their contract agreement.

“Brad and I share a lot of the same values,” Celtics President Danny Ainge said in a statement released by the team. “Though he is young, I see Brad as a great leader who leads with impeccable character and a strong work ethic. His teams always play hard and execute on both ends of the court. Brad is a coach who has already enjoyed lots of success, and I look forward to working with him towards Banner 18.”

ALSO:

Kings’ Jarret Stoll rushed to hospital after suffering seizure

Manu Ginobili to sign with San Antonio Spurs for two more years

Lionel Messi blanmes L.A. organizers for cancellation of charity event