The Cleveland Cavaliers and John Beilein have discussed the possibility of him stepping down as head coach during the NBA All-Star break, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst on Sunday.
Beilein left for the All-Star break weighing his future as coach — including the possibility that he has coached his final game, league sources told ESPN.
Beilein has yet to convey a decision, but there has been conversation with management about a prompt exit by the first-year coach.
Associate head coach J.B. Bickerstaff would be expected to take over as head coach if Beilein departs, sources said. Bickerstaff was hired with the expectation of a succession plan in the next several years. Beilein is 67.
Beilein, who left Michigan to sign a five-year deal with the Cavaliers last May, has struggled with the transition to the NBA.
Cleveland is 14-40, the worst record in the Eastern Conference and second-worst in the league. (The Golden State Warriors are 12-43.)
Beilein has a career record of 571-325 as a college coach. He made the NCAA tournament in his last four seasons at Michigan, including a Final Four appearance in 2017-18.
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