Brad Stevens chats with Jim Morris, reiterates to media ‘I’ll be in Boston’

Anytime an elite coaching job has become available over the past few years, Brad Stevens’ name has been thrown out. It’s unclear if there’s ever any interest, even a little, on the other end because his wife, Tracy, is a lawyer and his agent. That’s why his move to the Celtics two years ago wasn’t leaked.

It’s no secret that IU fans are anxious for a change in Bloomington, and Stevens is the guy they trust to right the ship. But Stevens is not even two years on the job. He signed a six-year deal to move from Zionsville to Boston in July, 2013.

Jim Morris reportedly spoke with Celtics coach Brad Stevens Wednesday night.

Wednesday night, Stevens was spotted by Real GM’s Andrew Perna talking with Pacers Vice Chairman Jim Morris outside the locker rooms in Boston. So what?

Maybe it’s nothing, just two Indiana guys catching up. But it is interesting, at least to me, because Morris is one of nine members of Indiana University’s Board of Trustees, and he doesn’t make many trips with the Pacers. I followed up with Perna, who said that he saw the two talk for only a minute or two. But maybe they connected earlier in the day — or later, after Stevens’ postgame press conference.

Amid speculation and rumors that Texas considered Stevens for its head coaching position — it could be as simple as leaking his name to make the job sound better, or as an inquiry — coach was asked about returning to the college ranks prior to his Celtics hosting the Pacers.

“I’ll be in Boston,” Stevens told a dozen reporters prior to Wednesday’s game against his hometown team.

Celtics President Danny Ainge was on 98.5 The Sports Hub with Toucher & Rich Thursday morning and said Stevens’ name mentioned with college jobs is just talk.

“Brad’s not considering college,” Ainge said. “Brad is with the Celtics and he’s … it’s just talk. It’s just talk out there. When coaching jobs open up, of course there’s a lot of people that would love to have interest in Brad, but I’m not even sure that there’s been any contact. I think it’s just mostly talk.”

Not the most confident response from Ainge, especially when he’d be the one to OK any communication. And “mostly” talk? Wouldn’t it be all talk, then?

Stevens, in his short time in the NBA, has proven that he can coach in the professional ranks. He’s got an odd combination of players, the majority acquired through trade, and he has them in the thick of the playoff race. They’re 34-41 and in ninth, two spots ahead of the Pacers in the Eastern Conference standings.

His best player, Rajon Rondo, was traded away, and he’s had 27 different players on the roster throughout the season. His out-of-timeout play calls, much like they were at Butler, are creative and successful more often than not. That’s why it’s no surprise to Ainge that his coach is mentioned frequently.

“I certainly understand it,” Ainge said. “It’s a compliment to Brad. He’s a well-known coach, a well-liked and respected coach around college and NBA circles, so I’m sure we’ll continue to hear that kind of stuff every year. But Brad’s with us, and that’s that.”