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 and de facto general manager for the Boston Celtics. Previously, he gained prominence as the head coach of the Boston Celtics. Before his NBA career, Stevens achieved significant success as the head coach of Butler University's men's basketball team, leading them to two national championship game appearances. His coaching career is marked by a strategic approach and player development skills. His transition from coaching to management signifies a career shift within the basketball world.

Sections (4)

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

1940: Indiana Hoosiers win National Championship led by Branch McCracken

In 1940, Branch McCracken led the Indiana Hoosiers to the national championship at age 31, becoming the second-youngest head coach to achieve this milestone in the NCAA National Championship Game.

2000: Promotion to Full-Time Assistant Coach

Following the 2000 season, Brad Stevens was promoted to a full-time assistant coach under Todd Lickliter at Butler University.

2000: Joined Butler University Basketball Program

In 2000, Brad Stevens joined the basketball program at Butler University as a volunteer after quitting his job at Eli Lilly and Company.

2000: Offered Volunteer Position at Butler, Tracy supports the decision

In the summer of 2000, Brad Stevens was offered the opportunity to volunteer in the Butler basketball office. His then-girlfriend (and now wife), Tracy Wilhelmy, supported his decision to quit his job at Eli Lilly to pursue this opportunity.

2002: Tied NCAA Record for Most Wins

In 2002, Mark Few of Gonzaga set the NCAA record for most wins by a head coach in his first three seasons.

April 2, 2007: Lickliter resigned from Butler

On April 2, 2007, Todd Lickliter resigned from Butler to take the head-coaching position at the University of Iowa.

April 4, 2007: Named Head Coach at Butler

On April 4, 2007, Brad Stevens became the head coach at Butler University after Todd Lickliter left to coach the Iowa Hawkeyes.

2007: Second-Youngest Coach in Division I Basketball

At the start of the 2007 season, Brad Stevens was the second-youngest coach in Division I basketball and won his first eight games.

2007: Lost Four Starters

In 2007 Butler lost four starters

2007: Tied NCAA Record for Most Wins

In 2007, Mark Fox of Nevada tied the NCAA record for most wins by a head coach in his first three seasons.

2008: Butler Makes NCAA Tournament

In 2008, Brad Stevens' Butler team finished the regular season with a 27–3 record and won the Horizon League tournament, earning a seven seed in the NCAA tournament.

2009: Attention After the Season

After the 2009–10 season, Brad Stevens and Butler University gained significant attention. This included a congratulatory call from then-U.S. President Barack Obama, a guest appearance on David Letterman's show, a 67% increase in Butler admissions inquiries, fan letters from around the world, and an invitation for Stevens to throw the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs versus Florida Marlins game.

2009: Challenge of Not Changing

In 2009, Brad Stevens discussed the challenge of staying true to core values and remaining humble despite increased fame following the 2009-10 season, highlighting it as a great coaching opportunity for himself and Butler.

2009: Salary and Compensation

In 2009–10, Brad Stevens' total compensation was estimated at US$750,000, which included a base salary of US$395,000 plus benefits, a relatively low figure for a successful Division I head basketball coach.

2009: Only DI Coach to Lead Team to Undefeated Conference

In the 2009-2010 season, Brad Stevens was the only coach in Division I to lead his team to an undefeated conference schedule.

February 26, 2010: Broke Coaching Record and Completed Undefeated Conference Schedule

On February 26, 2010, Brad Stevens broke a coaching record and Butler completed an 18-0 undefeated conference schedule.

March 25, 2010: Butler Advances to Elite Eight

On March 25, 2010, Brad Stevens coached Butler to a 63-59 victory over top-seeded Syracuse, advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history.

April 5, 2010: Championship Game Against Duke

On April 5, 2010, Brad Stevens coached Butler against Duke in the championship game. Backup center Avery Jukes scored 10 first half points, tying his season high, and at half time, Duke's lead stood at 33–32.

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

On April 8, 2010, Brad Stevens signed a long-term contract with Butler, extending his commitment through the 2021–22 season. The financial terms were not disclosed, but it was indicated that his base salary would increase to approximately $1 million.

2010: First NBA Finals Appearance since 2010

After defeating the Miami Heat in seven games during the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics made their first NBA Finals appearance since 2010.

2010: Rankings and Season Challenges

Following the 2010 championship game, Butler was ranked third for the 2010–11 season by ESPN and Fox Sports. Despite facing challenges early in the season, including a rough patch and a 6–5 conference record, the team rallied to win a share of the conference title and secure an NCAA tournament bid.

2010: Challenging Butler's Team to Improve Defensive Field Goal Percentage

In 2010, Brad Stevens challenged Butler's team to improve their defensive field goal percentage from 46% to 40%, which he believed would place them in the top 20 nationally. He used statistical analysis to communicate the importance of defensive improvement to the team, leading to their enhanced performance and a successful March run.

2010: Led Horizon League to Undefeated Season

In 2010, Stevens became the first coach to lead a Horizon League team to both an undefeated regular season and conference tournament since the league was formed in 1979.

2010: Broke NCAA Record for Wins

In 2010, his third year as head coach, Stevens broke the NCAA record for most wins in a coach's first three years, exceeding the previous record by eight wins. He also coached Butler to their first Final Four appearance.

2010: Hosting a Fundraiser for Coaches Vs. Cancer

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

March 26, 2011: Butler Beats Florida to Reach Final Four

On March 26, 2011, Butler defeated Florida 74–71 in overtime, earning a spot in the Final Four for the second consecutive year.

April 4, 2011: Butler lost National Championship game

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

2011: Illinois Coaching Vacancy

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

2012: Hiring Drew Cannon for Statistical Research

In 2012, Brad Stevens became the first college coach to hire someone specifically for statistical research by adding Drew Cannon to his staff, further emphasizing his commitment to using data analysis in coaching.

March 2013: UCLA Offer and Rumors

In March 2013, UCLA reportedly offered Brad Stevens between $2.5 and $3 million a year to leave Butler, leading to rumors of contract negotiations. However, Stevens ultimately stayed at Butler, reiterating his happiness and commitment to the university.

July 3, 2013: Stevens Hired as Celtics Head Coach

On July 3, 2013, Brad Stevens was hired as the head coach of the Boston Celtics.

2013: Hired as Head Coach of the Boston Celtics

In 2013, Brad Stevens was hired as the head coach of the Boston Celtics, signing a six-year, $22 million contract.

2014: Led the Celtics to NBA Playoffs

In 2014, Stevens started leading the Celtics to the NBA playoffs.

June 1, 2016: Contract Extension

On June 1, 2016, Brad Stevens received a contract extension with the Celtics.

2016: Won Division Championship

In 2016, Brad Stevens won a division championship with the Celtics.

2016: Celtics Make Playoffs

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

February 3, 2017: Eastern Conference Head Coach for NBA All-Star Game

On February 3, 2017, Brad Stevens was named the Eastern Conference head coach for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game.

July 4, 2017: Reunion with Gordon Hayward

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 Eastern Conference Finals

In 2017, Brad Stevens led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals.

2018: Appeared in Eastern Conference Finals

In 2018, Brad Stevens led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals.

2020: Appeared in Eastern Conference Finals

In 2020, Brad Stevens led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals.

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

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

June 2021: Named President of Basketball Operations for the Celtics

In June 2021, Brad Stevens was named the president of basketball operations and de facto general manager of the Boston Celtics.

2021: Celtics playoff appearance

In 2021, Stevens led the Celtics to their last NBA playoff appearance as head coach.

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 after Mazzulla led the Celtics to a league-best 42–17 record at the NBA All-Star break.

2023: Retained Mazzulla as head coach

For the 2023–24 season, Brad Stevens and the Celtics retained Joe Mazzulla as head coach, with Stevens calling Mazzulla "a terrific leader" and "accountable."