Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski has an update on the Celtics search for a head coach:
The Boston Celtics will consider several younger and lower-profile candidates for the franchise’s coaching vacancy, including assistant coach Jay Larranaga, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
After two seasons as a head coach in the NBA Development League, Larranaga, 38, made a strong impression on coach Doc Rivers and the Celtics’ front office during the 2012-13 season.
Larranaga will coach the Celtics’ summer league entry in Orlando, allowing general manager Danny Ainge a better look at him.
With Rivers and his $7 million salary headed to the Clippers, the Celtics are moving into a rebuilding phase. They expect to have a young roster and no longer want to pay an elite coach’s salary.
Rivers also has a strong interest in bringing Larranaga to the Clippers as part of his coaching staff, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
Before you cross George Karl (a long shot) and Lionel Hollins off the list, consider the possibility that this story was floated to help drive down the price of the next head coach.
However, this is the 2nd report that suggests Ainge wants a younger coach. Peter Vecsey tweeted this nugget last night:
Here’s my sling shot pick 2 coach Celtics, something I can see Danny Ainge doing: Tyronn Lue. Everyone in the know raves about 2d row aide
I assumed Tyronn Lue would follow Doc Rivers to Los Angeles, but Chris Broussard says Brian Shaw may have interest in bringing Lue to Denver. My guess is that he’ll follow the coach that offers a front row seat.
Who knows, maybe Jay Larranaga is the next Frank Vogel.
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