The Celtics have added Jeff Van Gundy to their coaching staff, naming him a senior consultant, writes Brian Robb of MassLive.com. Robb reached out to the team to confirm the hiring after fans noticed that Van Gundy was listed as part of the staff on the Celtics’ official website.
Van Gundy, 61, was a longtime NBA head coach in New York and Houston. He led the Knicks to a 420-248 (.590) regular season record from 1995-2001, winning eight playoff series and making one appearance in the NBA Finals during that time.
He subsequently coached the Rockets from 2003-07, guiding the team to a 182-146 (.555) regular season mark, but failing to get beyond the first round of the postseason.
After being dismissed by the Rockets, Van Gundy transitioned into broadcasting, eventually becoming part of ESPN/ABC’s top three-man team alongside Mike Breen and Mark Jackson. However, Van Gundy and Jackson were let go by ESPN earlier this year as part of the company’s layoffs.
Van Gundy hasn’t been entirely removed from coaching since his time in Houston — he served as Team USA head coach’s at multiple international competitions, including 2017’s FIBA AmeriCup and the qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup.
According to Robb, Van Gundy will be working in the Celtics’ basketball operations department and will spend time with both the NBA team and the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate.
The Celtics have made a series of changes to Joe Mazzulla‘s coaching staff this offseason ahead of his second year at the helm. Charles Lee and Sam Cassell were among the veteran assistants brought in by the franchise.
Nice addition.
Van Gundy should be in broadcasting. He is hillarious, and makes the games much more interesting.
Joe’s on a short leash
Yeah, that’s what this means.
You’re very clever.
Money moves.
Very smart move. Very smart. Make one more move and I will give a A + .
What’s he going to do. He’s part of front office. Team is already built …….
Only way he helps this team. Is by teaching KP to play big man D. And cooks for him to add on weight.
dude’s obsolete.
Probably a coach replacement, if Mazzulla fails his coaching job.
Ahahahahaha!!!!
I mean I like this move, but Celtics fans have been Van Gundys biggest haters over the years. Get ready for the green teamers to fire up the pivot machine. Ahahaha!!!!!
Interesting move. He won with the Knicks. That’s impressive. And we all know him from broadcasting games. Go Celtics.
We should make him head coach and get it over with!
This does not feel right