Listen: Mark Titus outlines the compelling reasons why Brad Stevens is actually listening to IU this time

When he was approached four years ago about the Indiana job opening, Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens made it clear he was not interested and no one really doubted him.

Are things different this time?

Stevens is now in year eight in Boston and his feelings about that job as well as Indiana’s willingness to go after him aggressively may have both changed.  At least that is what one well known podcaster believes.

Fox Sports’ Mark Titus, an Indianapolis area native who once played AAU basketball for Stevens, went in depth on Wednesday night with his co-host Tate Frazier on the Titus & Tate show to discuss in detail why he thinks Stevens is listening to Indiana this time.  His reasoning included:

• The money is there.  IU AD Scott Dolson has made it clear that booster money is available to IU Athletics in a way that it seemingly hasn’t been before, and Indiana could quite clearly pay Stevens more than what he makes in Boston.
• Dolson said he is not establishing a formal search committee for the process of finding a new head coach.
• Because of the money quickly obtained to buyout Archie Miller, fund the transition for a new coach, and the lack of a committee, it seems clear that a plan is already in place.
• There has been very little noise or chatter involving other potential candidates.
• The IU roster has remained intact to this point.
• Stevens’ was asked on Tuesday about his interest in the job and he gave what was at best a passive denial of his interest.
• The “call home” is real for native Hoosiers.
• There has been locker room tension in Boston going back to last September.
• Stevens is potentially a better cultural fit in the college game as a teacher.
• The Celtics are not content with their current product on the floor and may have their own grand plans such as going after Steve Kerr.

Listen to the full show here:

For more Titus & Tate podcasts, GO HERE.

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