CLEVELAND — Following John Beilein's resignation last month, the Cleveland Cavaliers said that J.B. Bickerstaff will move forward without an interim tag.
And now the Cavs head coach has the contract to prove it.
The team has signed Bickerstaff to a multi-year contract. Originally hired as Cleveland's lead assistant coach, the 41-year-old Bickerstaff took over as the Cavs head coach following Beilein's resignation from the team at last month's All-Star break.
News of Bickerstaff's new deal was first reported by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. The coach released the following statement:
"I can’t tell you how excited I am for this opportunity to lead the Cavaliers and our promising and enthusiastic group of players that has been assembled here in Cleveland. I want to thank Dan Gilbert and Koby Altman for having the trust and faith in my ability to coach this team, but also allowing me the freedom and endless resources to assist in creating a sustainable culture of winning and professional growth. Our players have done a phenomenal job of maintaining a high level of professionalism and growing maturity, of which I have been very appreciative. I also take great pride and consider it an honor and privilege to live and coach in this community with my family, in front of this fan base and for this franchise. It has truly been a blessing and I look forward to the journey ahead."
In 11 games as Cleveland's head coach, Bickerstaff has led the Cavs to a 5-6 record, including wins over playoff-contending teams in the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets. Bickerstaff's promotion has also coincided with improved play from Cleveland's younger players, including second-year guard Collin Sexton and rookie swingman Kevin Porter Jr.
Said GM Koby Altman:
"We are very fortunate to have someone of J.B.’s caliber and basketball pedigree lead our franchise as head coach. His wealth of experience, coupled with the respect he has garnered around the NBA and with this team, has made for a seamless transition from associate head coach to head coach. The amount of grit and determination instilled in our players, from both an accountability and attention to detail standpoint over this short period of time, has been met with admiration, respect and overall excitement throughout our entire locker room. We have already observed the impact he has made on our players through his first 10 games as head coach and we are looking forward to seeing just how far he can effectively drive our developing culture and lead this franchise into the future."
The Cavs mark Bickerstaff's third head coaching job, following an interim stint with the Houston Rockets and two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. In those three seasons, the son of former NBA head coach -- and current Cavs advisor -- Bernie Bickerstaff amassed an 85-131 regular-season record.
Currently riding a two-game winning streak, the Cavs will return to action on Tuesday when they face the Chicago Bulls.
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