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.
Beilein left for the All-Star break weighing his future as coach — including the possibility that he’s coached his final game, league sources told ESPN.
Beilein has yet to convey a decision, but there’s been conversation with management about a prompt exit by the first-year coach.
Associate head coach JB Bickerstaff would take over as head coach, if Beilein departs, sources said. Bickerstaff was hired with the expectation of a succession plan in next several years. Beilein is 67 years old.
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.