CLEVELAND, OH – John Beilein has resigned from his position as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cavaliers General Manager Koby Altman announced today. Beilein will be reassigned to a different role within the organization.
“Over these last nine months, I have given my all to this organization, but after much reflection, I have decided that it is best that I step back and resign from my position as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers and assist the organization in a different capacity,” said Beilein. “I am very grateful to Dan Gilbert, Koby Altman and the entire Cavaliers organization for the opportunity they have provided me.”
“This was a very difficult decision for me, but I want to be clear – this was my decision to step down and I truly appreciate the understanding and support of the front office during this time. I find losing very challenging and this year has taken a much bigger toll on me than I expected. I grew concerned for the consequences this toll could potentially take on my own health and my family’s well-being down the road. I was not certain I could be at my best for the remainder of the season and in the future. That would not be fair to the players, coaches and support staff.”
“I also would not be doing this now, during the season, if J.B. Bickerstaff was not ready and capable to assume the head coaching role immediately and continue the rebuilding process that we have started. For 45 years and more than 1,300 games, my journey as a basketball coach has been a dream come true. I have never been afraid of a challenge and have given each one my all – sometimes to the detriment of my own well-being. I want to thank my wife, Kathleen, for being by my side and I appreciate the outpouring of support from family, friends, and colleagues during this time. I look forward to being able to spend more time with my wife, kids and grandchildren over the coming months.”
Beilein was named head coach of the Cavaliers on May 13, 2019 after spending the previous 12 seasons as head coach of the men’s basketball team at the University of Michigan. Under Beilein, Michigan made nine NCAA Tournament appearances while also winning two Big Ten regular season and two Big Ten Tournament titles. The winningest coach in school history, he took the Wolverines to the Final Four and a pair of National Championship Game appearances in 2013 and 2018.
Prior to his tenure at Michigan, Beilein also served as head coach at West Virginia (2002-2007), Richmond (1997-2002), Canisius (1992-1997), Le Moyne (1983-1992) and Nazareth College (1982-1983). He holds a career record of 829-468 (.639) as a collegiate head coach and has 20 career postseason appearances – 13 in the NCAA Division I Tournament, six in the NIT and one in the NCAA Division II Tournament. Beilein played four seasons collegiately at Wheeling College (now Wheeling Jesuit University) from 1971-75 and is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame. He received a bachelor's degree in history from Wheeling before earning a master's degree in education from Niagara in 1981.
“John Beilein is one of the more accomplished basketball coaches in the history of our game and while it’s unexpected, we understand and respect his decision to step down as head coach of the Cavaliers,” said Altman. “I was excited about the development of our young players, who have all shown growth and maturity under Coach Beilein. We are thankful for the time he spent as head coach with the Cavaliers and are looking forward to his continued contribution. The NBA is a unique business that sometimes requires aggressive risk-taking on important long-term decisions to move a franchise forward and ultimately compete for championships. I would like to thank the incredible fans of the Cavaliers for their support in both good and challenging times. Building a strong culture will continue to be the top priority here at the Cavaliers.”