The Cleveland Cavaliers have found their next head coach, and the hire is sending shockwaves across the basketball world.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that John Beilein, who has been the men’s basketball coach at the University of Michigan since 2007, has agreed to a five-year deal to become the head coach of the Cavs.
Michigan’s John Beilein has agreed to a five-year deal to become coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 13, 2019
There had been rumblings that the Cavs were interested in Rick Pitino and some other smaller names, but Beilein was not believed to be considering NBA opportunities. The 66-year-old was linked to the Detroit Pistons job last offseason and said his interest was legitimate, noting how he could have taken the job and remained in Michigan close to his family.
After he withdrew from consideration for the Pistons job, Beilein said he did not anticipate meeting with NBA teams again in the future.
Beilein won two Big Ten tournaments and reached the Final Four two times at Michigan, most recently in 2018. He will finish his career with the Wolverines with an overall record of 278-150.
