Boston Celtics History: Top 5 Coaching Fails

John Russell accomplished a tremendous amount as he dedicated decade after decade to the game of basketball. Born in 1902, he became a pro at just sixteen and played in an astonishing 3,200 plus games in many different leagues during his career. He won championships in the American Basketball League and the Eastern League and was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1964.

His coaching career had its successes as well. He won an NIT Championship with Seton Hall in 1953, back when that tournament had as much clout as the NCAAs. He also had the honor of being the first head coach for the Boston Celtics, before the arrival of Bob Cousy and Red Auerbach and the franchise’s ascent to greatness. Russell went 42-66 in two seasons, before returning to the college ranks for his second stint as Seton Hall’s head coach.

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