Following reports of former ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy looking to re-join the National Basketball Association as a member of a team’s coaching staff, news has surfaced about his next destination. Van Gundy, a former assistant coach and head coach with a variety of franchises, is joining the Boston Celtics as a senior consultant, which could mark the end of his sports media pursuits. Both Van Gundy and analyst Mark Jackson were part of the network’s on-air talent layoffs, the latter of whom could join MSG Networks in a limited role to serve as an analyst on New York Knicks telecasts. Throughout the offseason, Van Gundy had reportedly been in discussions with the Celtics and other NBA teams about filling a position as a coach.
The NBA’s current national media rights deal expires following the 2024-25 season, which could coincide with potential expansion of the league. Prospective rightsholders are expected to emanate from linear and digital realms, some of whom could look to land one of the two experienced analysts. Although details of Van Gundy’s contract with the Celtics are unknown – including the presence of clauses that prohibit media activity – he will now be splitting his time between Boston and Maine to watch the Celtics’ NBA and G-League teams. Whether or not Van Gundy will resume work in sports media remains to be seen.
“Jeff has been an unofficial consultant for so many of us that grew up in coaching for a long time,” Brad Stevens, the Boston Celtics’ president of basketball operations, told The Boston Globe in a text message. “He’s so humble and approachable, and has always gone out of his way to spend time helping others.”
Van Gundy coached superstar center Patrick Ewing with the New York Knicks, who appeared in the NBA Finals under his leadership in 1999. A few years later, he worked with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming where he helped the team attain more than 50 wins in a season. Marv Albert pushed Van Gundy to become involved in sports media, where he developed long-standing friendships with his colleagues and maintained relationships around the Association.
Following 16 years with ESPN and a countless number of prime-time games from the broadcast booth, he will gain a new perspective and contribute his knowledge, insight and expertise to a Celtics organization aiming to win its 18th NBA title.
“Any time you get to add high-character, high-level, professional people, I think it’s a no-brainer,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said, “and [we are] so fortunate enough that he’s here, not just for the coaching staff, but for everybody.”
