The Boston Celtics have a situation on their hands. The team did not plan on having to begin a coaching search this offseason, but the longer Doc Rivers waits to commit to the team, the more likely is seems the Celtics will need a new person in charge. Rivers remains on the fence about returning to Boston in 2013 as he is growing leery of the possibility of having to rebuild the team. Multiple teams have taken notice to this and are reaching out for a chance to speak with Rivers. All requests have formally been denied.
Danny Ainge is not letting a single team speak to Rivers while he remains part of the Boston organization. Both the Brooklyn Nets and now the Los Angeles Clippers have made a pitch to speak with Rivers and all have been shot down. Sources report that Rivers could have a strong interest in the Clippers with their current roster, but so far has not made any sort of contact.
Rivers still has three years and $21 million remaining on his current contract with the Celtics. He is one of the highest paid coaches in all of sports so seeking a pay raise is not the reason Rivers would be splitting. He has been nothing but successful, leading Boston to two NBA Finals and one championship, making it difficult for the Celtics to let him walk.
Rivers does not seem to have much interest in undertaking a rebuilding project the Celtics might be forced to undergo. Several of the team's core stars could be headed out. Paul Pierce could see his contract bought out. Kevin Garnett is considering retiring and Rajon Rondo is rehabbing a torn ACL. Rivers does not like the look of the roster in 2013.
The Celtics are considering their options if Rivers were to walk away. The Boston Herald reports Vinny Del Negro, the former Los Angeles Clippers head coach, could be the top target to replace Rivers. Boston knows they can likely get Del Negro for cheap. Teams are not exactly blowing up his phone for a chance to interview the coach. He has coaching experience and could be a good option to help the team put back a dismantled roster. Taking a chance on an assistant like Brian Shaw might not be worth the risk.
The issue with hiring Del Negro would be the possible lack of respect that he would receive from the players. It is likely that Chris Paul was the reason he was fired from the Clippers due to his lack of an offensive scheme. There is a chance he would get the same treatment from Rondo. The Celtics are certainly hoping all of this is eliminated with Rivers just committing to staying through his contract.