Brad Stevens is an American basketball executive and former coach. He currently serves as the president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, essentially acting as their general manager. Prior to this role, he was the head coach of the Celtics.
1940: Branch McCracken's Historic Championship Win
Branch McCracken made history in 1940 by leading the Indiana Hoosiers to the national championship at the young age of 31.
1970: Jacksonville's National Championship Appearance
Jacksonville's appearance in the 1970 National Championship game was a notable achievement for the university.
1973: Bob Knight's First Final Four Appearance
In 1973, Bob Knight achieved a significant milestone by leading his team to the Final Four at the age of 32.
October 22, 1976: Birth of Brad Stevens
On October 22, 1976, Bradley Kent Stevens, an American basketball executive and former coach, was born.
1978: Butler's Last Undefeated Conference Record
Butler's undefeated conference record in 1978 marked the last time the team achieved this feat prior to Stevens' leadership.
1979: Formation of the Horizon League
The Horizon League, where Brad Stevens would later make history, was formed in 1979.
1979: Implementation of Seeding in NCAA Tournament
The year 1979 marked a significant change in the NCAA tournament with the introduction of seeding.
1985: Introduction of the Shot Clock
The shot clock, a pivotal rule change in basketball, was implemented in 1985, significantly impacting the pace and strategy of the game.
1995: Stevens' Impressive Senior Year in High School
In 1995, Brad Stevens had a standout senior year at Zionsville Community High School, earning sectional MVP and leading the state sectional in scoring. He also set school records for single-season points.
1995: Tracy Graduates High School
Tracy, Stevens' wife, graduated from Rocky River High School in 1995.
1999: Stevens Graduates from DePauw University
Brad Stevens graduated from DePauw University in 1999 with a degree in economics, concluding his successful collegiate career.
1999: Tracy Graduates from DePauw University
Tracy graduated from DePauw University in 1999.
2000: Tracy Attends Law School
In 2000, Tracy started attending law school at Case Western.
2000: Stevens Takes a Leap of Faith
In the summer of 2000, Brad Stevens made a life-changing decision to pursue his passion for basketball. Supported by his then-girlfriend, Tracy Wilhelmy, he quit his job at Eli Lilly to volunteer at the Butler basketball office.
2000: Stevens Promoted to Assistant Coach at Butler
Following the 2000-2001 season, Brad Stevens was promoted to a full-time assistant coach at Butler University under new head coach Todd Lickliter.
2000: Stevens Joins Butler Basketball Program
In 2000, Brad Stevens made a pivotal decision to leave his job at Eli Lilly and Company to pursue his passion for basketball. He joined the Butler University basketball program as a volunteer.
August 2003: Stevens Marries Tracy Wilhelmy
Brad Stevens married Tracy Wilhelmy in August 2003. Tracy, a lawyer, also serves as Stevens' agent.
June 2004: Tracy's Mother Passes Away from Cancer
Tracy's mother sadly died from cancer in June 2004.
April 2, 2007: Stevens Interviews and Lands Head Coaching Job at Butler
On April 2, 2007, after Todd Lickliter resigned as head coach at Butler, Brad Stevens interviewed for the position and within 24 hours, was named the new head coach at the age of 30.
April 4, 2007: Stevens Becomes Head Coach at Butler
On April 4, 2007, after serving as an assistant coach for five seasons, Brad Stevens was promoted to head coach of the Butler University basketball team following the departure of Todd Lickliter.
2007: Stevens Ties NCAA Coaching Record
In 2007, Brad Stevens led Butler on an impressive winning streak, tying the NCAA record for most wins in a coach's first three seasons.
2007: Butler's Unexpected Success Under Stevens
In 2007, despite losing four starters from the previous season, Brad Stevens led Butler to a successful start, defying expectations and earning recognition for his coaching.
2007: Stevens' Impressive Start as Butler's Head Coach
In the 2007-2008 season, as the second-youngest coach in Division I basketball, Brad Stevens impressed many with his coaching acumen. His Butler team won their first eight games and earned praise from legendary coach Bob Knight.
2008: Butler's Successful Season Under Stevens
During the 2007-2008 season, Brad Stevens led the Butler Bulldogs to a 27-3 regular season record, securing first place in the Horizon League. They won the league tournament and advanced to the NCAA tournament, where they reached the second round.
2008: Butler's Impressive Run in the Horizon League
During the 2008-2009 season, Butler, under Stevens' leadership, exceeded expectations with a strong start, finishing first in the Horizon League. Despite falling short in the tournament, they secured an at-large NCAA tournament bid.
2009: Stevens Emphasizes Core Values Amidst Growing Fame
As Butler's profile rose after the 2009-2010 season, Brad Stevens emphasized the importance of staying true to their core values and maintaining humility.
2009: Brad Stevens' Compensation and Contract Details
During the 2009-10 season, Brad Stevens' total earnings as head coach at Butler were estimated at US$750,000. This included his base salary of US$395,000 and additional benefits. Despite being considered a relatively low figure for a Division I coach of his success, Stevens' contract included a buyout clause valued in the high six to low seven-figure range.
2009: National Recognition for Stevens and Butler
Following their remarkable 2009-2010 season, Brad Stevens and the Butler Bulldogs received widespread recognition, including a call from President Barack Obama and a guest appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman.
February 26, 2010: Butler Achieves Undefeated Conference Record
On February 26, 2010, Brad Stevens guided Butler to an undefeated conference schedule, a historic feat for the team and a testament to their dominance.
March 25, 2010: Butler's Historic Victory over Syracuse
On March 25, 2010, Brad Stevens' Butler Bulldogs secured a thrilling victory against top-seeded Syracuse, advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history.
April 5, 2010: Butler Faces Duke in National Championship
On April 5, 2010, Brad Stevens and the Butler Bulldogs faced off against Duke in a highly anticipated NCAA National Championship game.
April 8, 2010: Brad Stevens Signs Contract Extension with Butler
On April 8, 2010, Brad Stevens signed a long-term contract extension with Butler, securing his position through the 2021-22 season. The deal, while financially undisclosed, reflected Butler's commitment to retaining Stevens following his successful tenure, which included a base salary increase to approximately US $1 million.
2010: Stevens Makes History with Horizon League Sweep
In 2010, Brad Stevens etched his name in Horizon League history by becoming the first coach to lead a team to an undefeated regular season and conference tournament championship.
2010: Stevens' Coaching Philosophy: Calm Demeanor and Player Confidence
In 2010, Stevens adopted a calm and composed coaching style, believing that it would help his team remain poised in pressure situations. He prioritized positive reinforcement and focused on building player confidence.
2010: Celtics' Return to the NBA Finals
In 2010, the Boston Celtics made their last appearance in the NBA Finals, signifying a significant achievement for the franchise. This appearance marked a high point for the team and a testament to their competitiveness in pursuit of a championship title.
2010: Post-Championship Predictions and Butler's Performance
Following their 2010 championship game, Butler, under coach Brad Stevens, was predicted to be ranked among the top teams for the 2010-11 season by ESPN and Fox Sports. Despite losing Gordon Hayward to the NBA draft, the team, led by Andrew Smith and Matt Howard, won a share of the conference title and secured an NCAA tournament bid.
2010: Stevens' Use of Statistical Analysis for Coaching Decisions
During the 2010 season, Stevens emphasized the importance of statistical analysis, using data to identify areas for improvement and motivate his team. Notably, he used defensive field goal percentage to inspire a defensive turnaround.
2010: Stevens and Tracy Host Fundraiser for Coaches Vs. Cancer
Brad and Tracy Stevens hosted a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society's Coaches Vs. Cancer in 2010.
2010: Record-Breaking Wins and First Final Four Appearance for Butler
In 2010, Brad Stevens etched his name in NCAA history by setting a new record for most wins in a coach's first three years. He also led Butler to their first Final Four appearance in school history, solidifying his reputation as an exceptional coach.
March 26, 2011: Butler's Road to the 2011 NCAA Championship Game
On March 26, 2011, Butler defeated Florida, securing their return to the Final Four. The team, led by Stevens, went on to win against VCU, marking their second consecutive appearance in the national championship game. Despite their efforts, they fell short of victory against Connecticut.
April 4, 2011: Butler's Second Consecutive Championship Appearance
On April 4, 2011, Brad Stevens coached the Butler Bulldogs in their second consecutive national championship game, ultimately losing to the Connecticut Huskies.
2011: Illinois Pursues Stevens for Coaching Position
Following the 2011-12 season, Brad Stevens received significant interest from the University of Illinois, who sought to hire him for their vacant head coach position. However, Stevens declined their offer, choosing to remain at Butler.
2012: Stevens Hires Dedicated Statistical Researcher
In 2012, Stevens became a pioneer by becoming the first college coach to hire a staff member solely for statistical research, demonstrating his commitment to data-driven coaching.
March 2013: UCLA's Pursuit and Stevens' Commitment to Butler
In March 2013, UCLA attempted to recruit Brad Stevens with a lucrative offer, rumored to be between $2.5 and $3 million annually. Despite speculation about ongoing negotiations, Stevens ultimately chose to stay at Butler, reiterating his commitment to the university and his satisfaction with the program's direction.
July 3, 2013: Brad Stevens Joins Boston Celtics
On July 3, 2013, Brad Stevens was hired as the head coach for the Boston Celtics, marking his transition from college to professional basketball.
2013: Stevens Joins the Boston Celtics
In 2013, Brad Stevens' success at Butler University earned him the head coaching position for the Boston Celtics. He signed a six-year, $22 million contract, marking his transition to the NBA.
2014: Beginning of Celtics Playoff Streak
Under Brad Stevens' leadership, the Boston Celtics began a playoff streak in 2014, marking the start of a successful era for the franchise.
April 2015: Stevens Earns Coach of the Month Honor
Brad Stevens was recognized for his exceptional coaching performance when he was named the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month in April 2015. This accolade highlighted Stevens' ability to lead the Celtics to the East's best record that month, achieving a 7-1 record with a perfect 4-0 record on the road.
April 21, 2015: Stevens Finishes Fourth in Coach of the Year Voting
Brad Stevens received recognition for his coaching prowess when he finished fourth in the voting for the NBA's Coach of the Year Award on April 21, 2015. This accolade highlighted Stevens' successful transition from college basketball to the NBA, where he quickly made a name for himself by leading the Celtics to the playoffs in his second season.
January 2016: Stevens Visits Andrew Smith
Stevens took a leave from the Celtics in January 2016 to visit Andrew Smith, a former player battling cancer.
January 17, 2016: Stevens Delivers Eulogy for Andrew Smith
Stevens delivered a moving eulogy for Andrew Smith, a former player who passed away from cancer, on January 17, 2016.
February 28, 2016: Stevens Named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month
Brad Stevens' successful coaching earned him the title of Eastern Conference Coach of the Month in February 2016. Leading the Celtics to a 9-3 record, including an undefeated streak at home, showcased Stevens' leadership and the team's dominance in the Eastern Conference.
June 1, 2016: Brad Stevens Receives Contract Extension with Celtics
On June 1, 2016, Brad Stevens' dedication and success as the head coach of the Boston Celtics were rewarded with a contract extension, reflecting the team's confidence in his leadership and vision.
2016: Stevens Leads Celtics to Consecutive Playoff Appearance
In 2016, Brad Stevens, in his third season as the head coach, successfully guided the Celtics to their second consecutive playoff appearance. Securing the #5-seed in the Eastern Conference with a 48-34 record solidified Stevens' coaching capabilities and the team's upward trajectory.
2016: Celtics Win Division Championship
In 2016, Brad Stevens guided the Boston Celtics to a division championship, showcasing his coaching prowess and the team's growth under his leadership.
February 3, 2017: Stevens Named Coach for 2017 NBA All-Star Game
Brad Stevens' coaching achievements were further acknowledged when he was chosen as the head coach for the Eastern Conference team in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game on February 3, 2017. This honor solidified Stevens' standing as one of the league's top coaches.
July 4, 2017: Gordon Hayward Joins Celtics, Reuniting with Stevens
On July 4, 2017, Gordon Hayward, Brad Stevens' former player at Butler, joined the Boston Celtics, reuniting the coach and player duo. This move brought excitement and anticipation for their renewed partnership in the NBA.
2017: Stevens Holds High School Records
As of 2017, Brad Stevens continued to hold multiple school records at Zionsville Community High School, including career points per game average, total career points, assists, and steals.
2017: Celtics Reach Eastern Conference Finals
The Boston Celtics, led by Brad Stevens, reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017, marking a significant achievement for the team and their coach.
2018: Celtics Make Second Consecutive Eastern Conference Finals
In 2018, Brad Stevens once again led the Boston Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals, demonstrating their consistency and ability to compete at the highest level.
2020: Celtics Return to the Eastern Conference Finals
Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics returned to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2020, showcasing their resilience and determination to contend for a championship.
June 2, 2021: Stevens Transitions to President of Basketball Operations
On June 2, 2021, Brad Stevens transitioned from his role as head coach of the Boston Celtics to become the team's president of basketball operations, effectively assuming the role of general manager. This move marked a significant shift in Stevens' career, taking on a more strategic and front-office-focused position.
June 2021: Stevens Transitions to Celtics Front Office
In June 2021, Brad Stevens transitioned from head coach to president of basketball operations and de facto general manager of the Boston Celtics.
December 2021: Danny Ainge Joins Utah Jazz
In December 2021, Danny Ainge, the former president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, joined the Utah Jazz as their alternate governor, marking his return to the NBA following his retirement from the Celtics earlier that year.
2021: End of Stevens' Contract Extension with Butler
The year 2021 marked the end of Brad Stevens' contract extension with Butler, which he had signed back in 2010. This long-term deal reflected the university's commitment to keeping Stevens at the helm of their basketball program after his impressive success. However, Stevens had already moved on from Butler to the NBA's Boston Celtics in 2013.
2021: End of Celtics Playoff Streak
In 2021, the Boston Celtics' playoff streak under Brad Stevens came to an end, marking a turning point in his tenure with the team.
September 22, 2022: Suspension of Udoka and Appointment of Mazzulla as Interim Coach
On September 22, 2022, Brad Stevens and the Celtics suspended coach Udoka for the 2022–23 season due to a violation of team policies. Assistant coach Joe Mazzulla was appointed as the interim head coach.
2022: Celtics' Journey to the 2022 NBA Finals
In 2022, the Boston Celtics reached the NBA Finals, marking a momentous occasion for the team and its fans. This accomplishment, a testament to their resilience and determination, ended in a hard-fought battle against the Golden State Warriors, where they fell short of victory in six games.
February 16, 2023: Mazzulla Named Permanent Head Coach
Following a successful run as interim head coach, Joe Mazzulla was named the permanent head coach of the Celtics by Stevens on February 16, 2023. He also received a contract extension.
2023: Celtics Win NBA Championship
In 2023, the Boston Celtics, with Brad Stevens as president of basketball operations, achieved the ultimate goal of winning the NBA championship.
2023: Celtics Retain Mazzulla, Reach Eastern Conference Finals, and Stevens Wins First Championship
The Celtics, led by head coach Mazzulla, had a strong 2023 season, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals and winning the NBA Championship, Stevens' first.
2023: Celtics' Second-Round Pick Trade Outcome
The year 2023 holds anticipation for the Boston Celtics as they await the outcome of a previous trade involving their second-round draft pick. The success or impact of this trade, orchestrated by either Danny Ainge or Brad Stevens, on the team's roster and future performance remains to be seen.
April 2024: Stevens Named NBA Executive of the Year
In April 2024, Brad Stevens received recognition for his exceptional work as an executive, being named the 2023-24 NBA Executive of the Year.
April 30, 2024: Stevens Awarded NBA Executive of the Year
Brad Stevens received the NBA Executive of the Year Award on April 30, 2024, for his leadership and contributions to the Celtics during the 2023–24 season.
2025: Celtics' Second-Round Pick Trade Impact
The year 2025 holds significance for the Boston Celtics due to a previous trade that sent their second-round draft pick to another team. This trade, made under the guidance of either Danny Ainge or Brad Stevens, reflects the team's long-term strategy and decision-making in player acquisitions and roster management.