The Pistons are hiring former University of Michigan and Cavaliers coach John Beilein as senior advisor of player development, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
An official announcement is expected this week, Stein added.
Beilein, 66, spent his first four decades of coaching in the college ranks, before taking the Cavaliers’ job in 2019. He lasted just 54 games in Cleveland before reaching what was called a mutual agreement to part ways.
He was considerably more successful at the NCAA level, leading Michigan to two championship game appearances (2013, ’18), finishing runner-up each time. Overall, he compiled a 278-150 record with the Wolverines in 12 seasons.
Before that, he coached West Virginia to a 104-60 mark in five seasons. That included one run to the Elite Eight and another to the Sweet Sixteen. He also served as head coach at Richmond and Canisius, as well as Division III programs Le Moyne and Nazareth.
Beilein regularly attended games in Detroit this past season, Stein noted, as well with making some studio appearances on the Big Ten Network.
The Pistons finished 20-52, the worst record in the Eastern Conference and second worst overall. Only Rockets have better odds at the No. 1 pick entering the draft lottery at the end of the month.
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