When news broke that the Detroit Pistons were interviewing Michigan coach John Beilein for their coaching job, one theory floated prominently was that Beilein was using the Pistons as leverage in contract negotiations with the Wolverines.
That’s not the case, according to Brendan Quinn of the Athletic, who reports that Beilein’s interest in the NBA is genuine and not a leverage play.
“He’s not trying to create leverage,” a source close to Beilein said. “That has nothing to do with any of this.”
The 65-year-old is exploring what would likely be his last chance to coach in the NBA. Detroit would ensure he doesn’t have to move his family, and NBA coaching jobs are more luxurious than pretty much any college position. The Pistons’ interest is also very serious, according to the report, as they are intrigued by his basketball mind and reputation as a strong teacher.
Beilein interviewed for the Pistons’ job on Thursday. While they’re still looking at other candidates, it sounds like the Michigan coach has a genuinely good shot at getting the position.
