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With Doc Rivers no longer the head coach of the Boston Celtics, there's a job opening. The Celtics have had a lot of time to think about this situation and probably have a few ideas on how to fill the position already. In fact, we've already heard from Jackie MacMullan on to interesting names.
Los Angeles Clippers agree in principle to Doc Rivers deal -- sources - ESPN Boston (see the video following the Ramona Shelburne one).
Paraphrasing: The Celtics will be going into cost savings mode with their next head coach. One name that has surfaced is David Fitzdale, a current assistant coach with the Miami Heat. Also, (and this seemed to be a Jackie Mac idea more than a rumor - but you never know) there's the option for Danny Ainge to "step down" from the front office and return to coaching for the next year.
The Danny idea just seems like a bad one to me personally. I assume he'd still be working as a GM and I'd rather have him focused on what he does now. On the other hand, he does have a good relationship (I think) with Rondo and there would be familiarity there. Also, I would assume that he either would get no more money, or less additional money than a new coach would require. Still, I'd rather focus on an up and coming assistant coach that would work for a reasonable salary but who could turn into the next Doc Rivers or Tom Thibbodeau.
So the Fitzdale option sounds interesting. Here's his bio on NBA.com.
David Fizdale begins his fifth season as an assistant coach for the HEAT after previously serving five seasons as an NBA assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. He began his professional career assisting in the HEAT’s video room during the 1997-98 season. Among his current responsibilities, Fizdale will be assisting in the areas of player development, scouting, game preparation and other duties assigned by Head Coach Erik Spoelstra. In addition to directing players through individual workout sessions, Fizdale has served as Miami’s head coach in the 2010 and 2012 NBA Summer Leagues.
Another name that several writers have brought up is Brian Shaw, who happened to be one of the favorites of the Clippers if they didn't land Doc Rivers. I wouldn't hold my breath for George Karl or one of the Van Gundys or another big name guy like that. They don't want a rebuilding situation any more than Doc did.
I'm sure we'll be hearing some more names in the coming days and weeks, but personally I think that's less important than the draft and figuring out what to do with Pierce and Garnett right now.
Bonus Link: Jay King does a great job of breaking down 12 candidates the Celtics could look into.