John Beilein is reportedly considering resigning as Cavaliers coach.
This makes the second straight season Cleveland’s coach contemplated departing at the All-Star break.
After firing Tyronn Lue in October 2018, the Cavs named Larry Drew interim coach. He immediately rejected the the title. Following an awkward week of Drew acting as the Cavaliers’ head coach but insisting he wasn’t head coach, they eventually paid him enough to accept the role. After the season ended, the Cavs and Drew parted ways.
His exit could have come sooner.
He wanted to quit at the All-Star break last year on Cleveland. He just wanted to leave, wanted to have them promote whoever their G League coach is.
Larry Drew had more than a million dollars coming his way, and he was talked out of this, I think by his agent. Like, “You cannot do this.” Like,” It’s insane. You can’t leave now. Just stick it out.”
Beilein obviously has his own unique issues. But this reflects quite poorly on the Cavaliers.
Losing obviously factors. Cleveland is just starting to build up post-LeBron James. It’ll take time.
But plenty of teams rebuild and lose. They usually don’t have consecutive coaches ready to quit.
Owner Dan Gilbert and general manager Koby Altman better take a hard look at what’s failing culturally.
