Career Timeline of Brad Stevens: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Brad Stevens built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Brad Stevens is an American basketball executive, currently serving as the president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. He is a former basketball coach, having previously coached the Celtics. His transition from coaching to management showcases his basketball acumen and leadership abilities within the professional sports arena.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: New Head Coach Todd Lickliter promoted Stevens to a full-time assistant coach

Following the 2000-01 season after Matta left the school, new head coach Todd Lickliter promoted Stevens to a full-time assistant coach.

2000: Joined Butler University Basketball Program as Volunteer

In 2000, Brad Stevens transitioned into coaching after quitting his job at Eli Lilly and Company, joining the basketball program at Butler University as a volunteer before the 2000-01 season.

2000: Opportunity to Volunteer in Butler Basketball Office

In the summer of 2000, Brad Stevens was offered the opportunity to volunteer in the Butler basketball office, leading to a career change and his eventual coaching success.

April 2, 2007: Lickliter Resigned from Butler

On April 2, 2007, Todd Lickliter resigned from his head-coaching position at Butler to take the head coaching position at the University of Iowa. Brad Stevens would be hired to replace him.

April 4, 2007: Assumed Head Coach Position at Butler University

On April 4, 2007, Brad Stevens became the head coach at Butler University after Todd Lickliter left to coach the Iowa Hawkeyes. This marked a significant milestone in his coaching career.

2007: Second-Youngest Coach in Division I Basketball

At the start of the 2007-08 season, Brad Stevens was the second-youngest coach in Division I basketball. He got off to a fast start, winning his first eight games.

2007: Started as the second-youngest coach in Division I basketball.

At the start of the 2007-08 season, Stevens began as the second-youngest coach in Division I basketball.

2008: Lost four starters after the 2007–08 season

After the 2007-08 season, Butler lost four starters.

2008: Butler in the NCAA tournament

In 2008, Butler was awarded the seven seed in the East Regional. They beat tenth-seeded South Alabama in the first round, before falling to second-seeded Tennessee in overtime.

2009: Continued Attraction to Stevens and Butler

After the 2009 season, Brad Stevens and Butler University garnered significant attention, which led to an increase in Butler admissions inquiries by 67%.

2009: Only Coach with Undefeated Conference Schedule

During the 2009-10 season, Brad Stevens was the only coach in Division I to lead his team to an undefeated conference schedule.

2009: Stevens Discusses New Recruiting Challenge

In 2009, Brad Stevens discussed the new recruiting challenge of not changing and sticking to core values to ensure humility as a great coaching opportunity.

2009: Stevens Compensation

In 2009, Brad Stevens' total compensation was estimated at US$750,000.

February 26, 2010: Broke Coaching Record

On February 26, 2010, Brad Stevens broke a coaching record after Butler won against Valparaiso. In doing so, Butler completed an 18-0 undefeated conference schedule.

March 25, 2010: Advanced to Elite Eight

On March 25, 2010, Brad Stevens' Butler team faced Syracuse and won 63-59, advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history.

April 8, 2010: Stevens Signs Long-Term Deal with Butler

On April 8, 2010, Brad Stevens signed a long-term contract with Butler, extending it through the 2021-22 season, and increasing his base salary to approximately US $1 million.

2010: Rankings After the Championship Game

Following the 2010 championship game, Butler was ranked third for the 2010-11 season by ESPN's Andy Katz and Fox Sports' Jeff Goodman, with Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski agreeing they would be a favorite.

2010: Broke NCAA Record for Most Wins in First Three Years

In 2010, Brad Stevens broke the NCAA record for most wins in a coach's first three years. That year, Stevens also coached Butler to the first Final Four in school history, while also becoming the second-youngest head coach to make an NCAA national championship game, losing to Duke.

2010: Earned Automatic Bid to NCAA Tournament

In 2010, Brad Stevens' Bulldogs won the Horizon league tournament, earning them an automatic bid into the 2010 NCAA tournament and completing a 20–0 run through league play.

2010: Butler's 2010 Final Four Run

In 2010, during Butler's Final Four run, Coach Stevens remained calm during timeouts despite big runs by Syracuse and Kansas State. He reassured the team, expressing his belief in them and their ability to win, which was key to their success.

2010: Fundraiser for Coaches Vs. Cancer

In 2010, the day before Butler's Final Four appearance, Brad and Tracy hosted a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society's Coaches Vs. Cancer.

2010: First NBA Finals Appearance Since 2010

In 2022, The Celtics made their first NBA Finals appearance since 2010.

2010: Butler's defensive slump and Stevens' challenge

In late 2010, Stevens addressed Butler's defensive slump by using statistical analysis. He challenged the team by setting a specific goal to reduce the defensive field goal percentage to 40%, which would place them among the top 20 in the country. The team improved throughout the 2010 season, leading to a successful March run fueled by defense.

April 4, 2011: Coached in Second Consecutive National Championship Game

On April 4, 2011, Brad Stevens coached the Butler Bulldogs in their second consecutive national championship game, where the team lost to the Connecticut Huskies.

2011: Pursuit by Illinois

After the 2011–12 season, Brad Stevens was pursued vigorously by Illinois to fill their coaching vacancy before he declined their offer.

2012: Hiring of Drew Cannon

In 2012, Stevens became the first college coach to hire someone solely for statistical research, adding Drew Cannon to his staff, demonstrating his commitment to leveraging data in coaching decisions.

March 2013: UCLA Coaching Offer

In March 2013, UCLA reportedly offered Brad Stevens between $2.5 and $3 million a year to leave Butler, but Stevens ultimately stayed at Butler.

July 3, 2013: Stevens Hired as Head Coach of the Boston Celtics

On July 3, 2013, Brad Stevens was hired as the head coach of the Boston Celtics, marking a significant transition in his career.

2013: Became Head Coach of the Boston Celtics

In 2013, Brad Stevens became the head coach of the Boston Celtics, signing a six-year, $22 million contract, marking a significant move to the NBA.

2014: Led Celtics to NBA Playoffs

In 2014, Brad Stevens began a streak of leading the Celtics to the NBA playoffs, a run that would continue until 2021.

June 1, 2016: Stevens Receives Contract Extension

On June 1, 2016, Brad Stevens received a contract extension, ensuring his continued leadership with the Celtics.

2016: Won Division Championship

In 2016, Brad Stevens led the Celtics to win a division championship.

2016: Celtics Make Playoffs

In the 2016 season, Brad Stevens led the Celtics to their second consecutive playoff appearance as the #5-seed, finishing the season with a 48–34 record.

July 4, 2017: Hayward Signs Contract to Play for the Celtics

On July 4, 2017, Brad Stevens was reunited with his former college player Gordon Hayward when Hayward signed a contract to play for the Celtics.

2017: Appeared in the Eastern Conference Finals

In 2017, Brad Stevens led the Celtics to appear in the Eastern Conference finals.

2018: Appeared in the Eastern Conference Finals

In 2018, Brad Stevens led the Celtics to appear in the Eastern Conference finals.

2020: Appeared in the Eastern Conference Finals

In 2020, Brad Stevens led the Celtics to appear in the Eastern Conference finals.

June 2, 2021: Stevens Named President of Basketball Operations for the Celtics

On June 2, 2021, the Celtics named Brad Stevens as the new president of basketball operations and de facto general manager, replacing Danny Ainge.

June 2021: Named President of Basketball Operations for the Celtics

In June 2021, Brad Stevens was named president of basketball operations for the Celtics, giving him the powers of general manager after Danny Ainge's resignation.

December 2021: Ainge Joins the Utah Jazz

In December 2021, Danny Ainge, who was replaced by Brad Stevens as president of basketball operations for the Celtics, joined the Utah Jazz as their alternate governor.

2021: Contract Through the 2021-22 Season

On April 8, 2010, Brad Stevens signed a long-term deal with Butler, extending his contract through the 2021-22 season.

July 9, 2022: Celtics Trade for Malcolm Brogdon

On July 9, 2022, Brad Stevens and the Celtics traded for Malcolm Brogdon, enhancing the team's roster.

2022: Celtics Trade and Finals Appearance

In 2022, Brad Stevens and the Celtics traded Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, a 2022 first-round pick, and the rights to swap 2028 first-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Derrick White. The Celtics lost the 2022 NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors in six games.

February 16, 2023: Mazzulla Named Permanent Head Coach

On February 16, 2023, Brad Stevens and the Celtics named Joe Mazzulla the team's permanent head coach and signed him to an extension.

June 22, 2023: Celtics Trade Marcus Smart

On June 22, 2023, Brad Stevens and the Celtics traded Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team deal.

2023: Named NBA Executive of the Year

In 2023 Brad Stevens was named the NBA Executive of the Year.

2023: Celtics Trade Involves a 2023 Second-Round Pick

On June 18, 2021, Brad Stevens made his first transaction by trading away Kemba Walker and acquiring a 2023 second-round pick as part of a trade deal.

April 2024: Named 2023-24 NBA Executive of the Year

In April 2024, Brad Stevens was named the 2023–24 NBA Executive of the Year, marking a significant achievement in his executive role.

2024: Celtics Receive a Protected First-Round Pick

On June 22, 2023, as part of a three-team deal, the Grizzlies sent a top-four-protected 2024 first-round pick (via Golden State Warriors) to the Celtics.