Celtics’ Brad Stevens shoots down college coaching rumors

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has heard the noise before. Indiana. North Carolina. You name the blueblood, and at some point, his name gets tossed into the mix.

This time, it was North Carolina — again — after the Tar Heels moved on from Hubert Davis. And, once again, Stevens shut it down quickly. (North Carolina eventually hired former NBA coach Michael Malone.)

“I’m not motivated to do anything but what I’m doing,” Stevens said, via Brian Robb of MassLive.

That pretty much says it all.

According to multiple reports, Stevens removed himself from consideration early in UNC’s search, despite being viewed as a top target. The idea of him leaving Boston has long been viewed as a long shot, if not a long anything.

He’s been with the Celtics organization for more than a decade, transitioned from coach to front-office boss in 2021, and helped build a roster that delivered an NBA title and sustained contender status.

And this isn’t new.

Stevens has routinely been linked to high-profile college openings, particularly given his wildly successful run at Butler, where he reached back-to-back national title games. But each time, same result. Thanks, but no thanks.

League-wide, the belief is simple. Stevens isn’t itching to get back to the sideline, especially not in college. He’s comfortable. He’s successful. Maybe most importantly, he’s exactly where he wants to be.

So yes, the rumors will keep popping up. They always do.

But Stevens’ answer? Also always the same.