🚨 ESPN REPORT: DEAL ACCEPTED — Sam Cassell Leaves Celtics Bench to Take Helm of Wisconsin Badgers Basketball 🚨
In a stunning shift that has sent ripples through both the NBA and NCAA, Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell has officially accepted a $4 million, 5-year deal to become the new head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team, per sources close to ESPN.
Cassell, known for his passionate mentorship and championship pedigree as both a player and coach, leaves behind a pivotal role on Joe Mazzulla’s staff to begin his next chapter: leading one of the Big Ten’s most storied programs back to national prominence.
A New Era Begins in Madison
The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department made the news official on Monday morning, with athletic director Chris McIntosh calling Cassell “a proven leader, a fierce competitor, and a culture-builder who brings instant credibility and championship DNA to our locker room.”
Cassell is no stranger to big moments. A three-time NBA champion and veteran of 15 NBA seasons, he spent the last decade as a rising star on coaching benches in Washington, L.A., Philadelphia, and most recently Boston—where his work with guards like Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard helped anchor the league’s most stifling backcourt defense during the Celtics’ 2024 Finals run.
Now, he steps into a Wisconsin program that has seen flashes of brilliance but fallen short of expectations in recent seasons. Sources indicate Cassell was especially drawn to the opportunity to lead a team with a deep-rooted basketball culture and loyal fan base, and to build a legacy beyond the NBA.
“I’m Ready to Lead”
At his introductory press conference inside Kohl Center, Cassell addressed reporters with his trademark cool confidence.
> “I’ve won at every level of this game—as a player, as a coach. Now, it’s time to win as a head coach,” he said, donning a red-and-white Badgers polo for the first time. “I’m not just here to coach basketball—I’m here to change lives and build champions on and off the court. Wisconsin deserves that. Let’s get to work.”
Cassell will inherit a young but promising roster, headlined by sophomore guard Myles Thompson and forward Jamari Bell, along with one of the highest-rated recruiting classes Wisconsin has landed in five years. Insiders believe Cassell’s NBA background and ability to connect with players will immediately boost recruiting and player development.
Celtics Respond with Class
Back in Boston, Celtics President Brad Stevens praised Cassell’s impact on the organization: “Sam’s presence, passion, and basketball IQ made us better every single day. He’s earned this opportunity, and we wish him nothing but success.”
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla echoed that sentiment, calling Cassell “one of the most respected voices in the room” and hinting that the door is always open should their paths cross again.
What’s Next?
Cassell is expected to begin recruiting immediately and will coach his first game for Wisconsin this November, when the Badgers host Duke in the inaugural Champions Showcase.
As Sam Cassell embarks on his long-awaited head coaching journey, one thing is clear: Wisconsin just got a lot more dangerous—and a whole lot more interesting.
📰 Stay tuned for more updates on the college basketball landscape, as one of the game’s most charismatic minds begins writing his own chapter from the head seat.
