Former UM Hoops Coach Considering Quitting The NBA
Former Michigan coach John Beilein is reported to be set to walk away from his NBA job coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers before the season ends.
In a move almost as startling as the news that he was quitting Michigan to go pro, it appears John Beilein is about to step down from his job mentoring the Cavs.
A Tweet late last night from Chicago, where the NBA gathered for their annual All-Star game, ESPN NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski said Beilein has discussed the possibility of stepping down as the Cavs coach before the current season ends.
Friends and associates of Beilein have described him as unhappy -- even miserable -- with the move to the Cavaliers. The losing that comes with a rebuild, as well as several skirmishes in public and private with players, has played a part in the rapid deterioration, sources said.
Cleveland is 14-40, the worst record in the Eastern Conference and behind only that of Golden State (12-43) for the worst in the NBA.
Beilein has also dealt with some personal and family turmoil, as his son Patrick was dismissed before the start of his first season as head coach at Niagara University. Personal issues were cited.
Beilein was sought after in the NBA, and he discussed job opportunities with Detroit and Atlanta in recent years.
Beilein has a career record of 571-325 as a college coach. He made the NCAA tournament in his last four seasons at Michigan, including a Final Four appearance in 2017-18.