Boston Celtics

Brad Stevens discusses Darren Erman's departure

Published Jun. 3, 2015 11:31 a.m. ET

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Darren Erman is leaving the Boston Celtics to join Alvin Gentry and the New Orleans Pelicans as an associate head coach. It's a step up for Erman, and leaves a void in Boston's coaching staff.

Here's what head coach Brad Stevens had to say about it, per NESN:

“I’ve (replaced assistants) pretty much every summer I’ve been a coach. If you’ve got a good staff, you’re going to lose them at times, and that’s great. It’s great for the opportunity for upward mobility for your staff and for your environment. I think that’s a positive feel when guys get a chance to move on, grow and do other things. I think that’s all good. I’ll take my time in figuring out what’s next. I’m in no rush, certainly.”

Erman's expertise is defense, so naturally the Celtics will be looking for a defensive coordinator.

It's highly unlikely he's willing to take a step back and return to the job he had before becoming head coach of the Chicago Bulls, but Tom Thibodeau is a free agent, and it'd be interesting to see if Boston even reaches out to gauge his interest.

That's a huge long shot, though. Barely on the fringe of reality.

(h/t: NESN)

Photo Credit: Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports