Austin Ainge, the head coach of the Maine Red Claws for their first two seasons in the NBA Development League, has been hired by the Boston Celtics as their director of player personnel.
“I am sorry to see Austin go but happy for him in his new position with the Celtics” said Jon Jennings, the Red Claws’ president and general manager. “All of us with the Red Claws enjoyed working with Austin. No one worked harder and was more committed to making our players better. He will be missed. We wish Austin, Crystal and his boys the best going forward.”
The Red Claws announced they will immediately open a search for a new head coach.
“I truly appreciate the opportunity that the Red Claws gave me and have enjoyed my time in Maine tremendously,” said Ainge. “The fans in Maine are incredible, and I wish the organization nothing but the best going forward.”
Ainge, 29, joined the Red Claws following stints as a scout with the Celtics and as an assistant coach at Southern Utah University. He led the Red Claws to a 45-55 record in two seasons. His 2009-10 squad tied the NBA D-League record for wins by an expansion team with 27, narrowly missing the playoffs by virtue of a tiebreaker. During the 2010-11 season, Ainge led a young Red Claws’ team that included the D-League Rookie of the Year, DeShawn Sims.
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