Brad Stevens's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Brad Stevens. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1940: Indiana Hoosiers win national championship

In 1940, Branch McCracken led the Indiana Hoosiers to the national championship at age 31, becoming the second-youngest head coach to do so, a record only broken by Brad Stevens.

1970: Jacksonville plays for National Championship

In 1970, Jacksonville became the smallest school to play for a National Championship, highlighting a significant achievement for a smaller institution in a major competition.

1973: Bob Knight's First Final Four Appearance

In 1973, Bob Knight made his first Final Four appearance at age 32.

1978: Joe Sexson Led 1978 Team to Undefeated Record

In 1978, Joe Sexson led the Butler team to a 6-0 record in the now-defunct Indiana Collegiate Conference.

1979: Seeding Began

Since seeding began in 1979, Butler became the smallest school (enrollment 4,200) to make the Final Four.

1985: Shot Clock Adopted

Butler became the first team since the shot clock was adopted for the 1985-86 season to hold five straight tournament opponents under 60 points.

1995: Sectional MVP and Leading Scorer

In 1995, Brad Stevens was named the sectional MVP and leading scorer in state sectional play with 32.3 ppg, showcasing his exceptional talent during his high school career.

2002: Mark Few of Gonzaga Set NCAA Record

In 2002, Mark Few of Gonzaga set the NCAA record for most wins (81) by a head coach in his first three seasons.

2007: Mark Fox of Nevada Tied NCAA Record

In 2007, Mark Fox of Nevada tied the NCAA record for most wins (81) by a head coach in his first three seasons.

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: 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.

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 5, 2010: Butler and Duke Faced Off in Championship Game

On April 5, 2010, Butler faced Duke in what The New York Times called "the most eagerly awaited championship game in years."

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: 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.

March 26, 2011: Bulldogs Beat Florida to Earn Final Four Trip

On March 26, 2011, the Bulldogs beat Florida 74–71 in overtime to earn back-to-back trips to the Final Four.

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.

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.

April 2015: Stevens Named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month

In April 2015, Brad Stevens was named the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month, leading the Celtics to the East's best record at 7–1.

April 21, 2015: Stevens Finishes Fourth for NBA Coach of the Year Award

On April 21, 2015, Brad Stevens finished fourth in voting for the NBA's Coach of the Year Award in his second season as head coach.

February 28, 2016: Stevens Named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for February

On February 28, 2016, Brad Stevens was named the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for February, guiding his squad to an Eastern Conference-best 9–3 record during the month.

2016: Won Division Championship

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

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

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

2017: Still Holds School Records

As of 2017, Brad Stevens still holds several school records at Zionsville Community High School, including career points per game average, total career points, assists, and steals.

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.

2023: Named NBA Executive of the Year

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

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.

April 30, 2024: Stevens Awarded NBA Executive of the Year

On April 30, 2024, Brad Stevens was awarded the NBA Executive of the Year Award for the 2023–24 season, recognizing his leadership and strategic decisions.