The Cavaliers "shocked the basketball world" with today's announcement that they had hired Michigan's John Beilein as their new coach in a five-year deal. The deal was "reportedly finalized Sunday night" after the Cavs interviewed Beilein in Ann Arbor "early last week" and team Owner Dan Gilbert spoke to him Friday (OHIO.com, 5/13). Beilein has "entertained thoughts about the NBA for several years and had detailed discussions" with the Magic and Pistons last year (ESPN.com, 5/13). This is a "classic Gilbert choice," as the Cavs "love to gamble when it comes to head coaches" (CLEVELAND.com, 5/13).
The hire is a "crushing blow for the Michigan basketball program" (FREEP.com, 5/13). A source said that the school's coaching search "will be handled by Turnkey Sports" (TWITTER.com, 5/13). Yahoo Sports' Dan Wetzel wrote the open Michigan job is "one of the most desirable in all of basketball." With a "rare combination of being capable of winning a national title" and with "reasonable fan expectations and moderate pressure ... UofM should get a star."
