A coach or player returning to where it all started? That’s a storyline that never gets old. For the Hoosiers nation, Mike Woodson’s exit meant a revival of hope on watching their dream hire of years come to fruition— Brad Stevens. An Indiana native, his name and the role go together like peanut butter and jelly. But as quick as the rumors swirled for the nth time, the former Celtics coach wasted no time in shattering speculations. So no, Hoosiers aren’t gonna witness their fairytale just yet. But someone else might.
The season’s coming to an end, programs are revisiting their records, and coaches find themselves on their toes and some onset of a new chapter. In Tallahassee, that’s Leonard Hamilton, ending his 23-year career at Florida State. But that seems to be calling for a possible homecoming story.
According to Evan Sidery, “Celtics lead assistant Sam Cassell is a top candidate for the Florida State head coach vacancy, per @GoodmanHoops.” A first-round pick out of FSU back in 1993, he’s got deep ties to the program. He was even in the mix for the Lakers job last year before they chose JJ Redick.
But now, the chance to lead his old team could be on the table and excitingly so.
Celtics lead assistant Sam Cassell is a top candidate for the Florida State head coach vacancy, per @GoodmanHoops.
Cassell was a first-round pick out of Florida State in 1993.
Cassell interviewed with the Lakers for their opening last year before ultimately choosing JJ Redick. pic.twitter.com/1WnYBpUHaf
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 4, 2025
Early Tuesday morning, The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman listed potential candidates, and the Celtics assistant’s name was right there alongside others like Kings assistant Luke Loucks and UAB coach Andy Kennedy. But he stands out— Florida State retired his jersey after he led them to the 1993 Elite Eight, then won three NBA titles. He’s been an assistant coach for about 17 years now– last 2 of those with the Boston Celtics.
With that resume, Cassell has made head coach conversations in the NBA more than once. That has been his ultimate goal, too, as Brandon Robinson would reveal last year. But a right opportunity is what he has been waiting for– Utah Jazz and Lakers, all journeys left unfinished. So could the homecoming be that opening for the former Seminole? For now, Cassell’s opinion is up in the air, though Florida State fans can hold out hopes.
He’s been a loud and proud Seminole years after he’d exited the college. So much that he once preferred sitting in the stands instead of the sidelines to soak up that Florida State energy during Rose Bowl. The pieces fit. It just seems to be matter of yes from the FSU icon. The same could be said for the Hoosiers and Brad Stevans, but the Boston Celtics president of basketball operations seems set at staying with the franchise for as long as it permits.
Brad Stevens remains stern with his decision
Every time the job opens up at Indiana University, people link his name to it, and every time, he shuts it down.
Back in 2017, when Indiana was searching for a coach before hiring Archie Miller, Stevens’ name was everywhere. Same thing in 2021 before Mike Woodson took over. He’s often shared how Indiana basketball fueled his passion, saying, “That place drove my passion for basketball.” But he’s made it clear—he’s staying in Boston. “I thoroughly appreciate being a Celtic and love the people I get to work with every day,” he told Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68.
That hasn’t stopped Indiana fans from hoping. With a massive NIL budget and the chance to restore a once-proud program to national prominence, the appeal is obvious. But let’s be real—Stevens has a great gig in Boston. He just built a championship contender.
One of his first big moves? Trading Kemba Walker to bring back Al Horford. Some people weren’t sure about it at the time, but now it looks brilliant. He’d also bring in Derrick White and then made two huge moves—trading for Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
Leaving all that behind to go coach at college? That’s a tough sell. Indiana will shoot its shot, but as Stevens has made clear—it’s not happening. The Hoosiers will have to look elsewhere. Florida State? Time will tell.
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