Celtics
Cassell, an FSU alum, is expected to be among the top candidates when the job opens after this season.
Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell is expected to be a serious candidate for Florida State University’s men’s basketball head coaching position, according to a report from Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com.
Leonard Hamilton, who had coached FSU for the previous 23 seasons, announced that he will step down at the end of the season. Cassell is an alum of the school, who also has head coaching ambitions.
According to Bulpett, Cassell has not heard from Florida State about the job, He is comfortable in his role with the Celtics and could potentially entertain both college and NBA job offers after this season.
Multiple sources told Bulpett that FSU will take a serious look at Cassell.
“Once the athletic department reaches out to me, then (FSU’s interest) is official. But they haven’t reached out to me,” Cassell told Bulpett earlier this week. “The athletic director hasn’t reached out to me yet.”
A crafty point guard who carved out a 15-year NBA playing career, Cassell won three NBA titles as a player. He also made an All-Star appearance and earned a second-team All-NBA selection in 2004. His final season with the Celtics in 2008 helped him segue into coaching.
Cassell has over a decade-and-a-half of assistant coaching experience at the NBA level, including stops with the Wizards, Clippers, Sixers, and Celtics. Last year’s championship with the Celtics was his first as a coach.
“If it’s God’s will, it’ll happen,” Cassell said. “God has a plan for me … Listen, man, I have a great life. I’m associate head coach of the Boston Celtics. It’s good livin’ right here.
“When I do get an opportunity on this level, I’ll be ready. I can guarantee that. I am ready. Simple.”
With the Celtics in position to contend in the playoffs for a while, Cassell has the ability to be selective while considering opportunities.
“It’s got to be the right job,” Cassell said. “The ducks got to line up in a row correctly for me to think about leaving to accept another job. This place has been treating me too good for me to just leave. Joe Mazzulla’s been great to me. Brad [Stevens]’s been great to me.
“Doc wanted me to come to Milwaukee with him after we won the championship … Couldn’t do it. Couldn’t do it.”
Cassell said he is open to listening to college, as well as NBA offers. If he decides to go the college route, he’ll have to adjust to the new landscape of college basketball recruiting which includes NIL deals and the transfer portal.
“That’s a hurdle I’ve got to step to if it comes that way,” Cassell said. “I haven’t thought about it yet. But, yeah, it’s totally different now than what it was 10 years ago. If I choose to pursue that, then that’s what I’ve got to get used to and get ready for.”
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