There were more than a few people who were surprised that the Los Angeles Lakers turned to JJ Redick to be their new head coach.
However, Redick’s bosses at ESPN were not caught off guard by his pursuit of the job, contrary to how they were left stunned when Doc Rivers left his broadcasting position during the season to become the coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.
In the latest episode of the “Sports Media with Richard Deitsch” podcast, ESPN president of content Burke Magnus said the company was well aware of Redick’s desire to coach.
“Obviously, we got the curveball of all curveballs with Doc’s departure,” Magnus told Deitsch. “But I thought JJ stepped right in and helped us continue to perform at a high level. He had indicated interest in coaching, so that was not a surprise.”
Magnus also left the door open for Redick to return to the booth if the coaching life doesn’t work out for him.
“But I thought JJ really stepped up and filled in at a very high level,” Magnus said. “By the way, if he ever wants to come back and be a broadcaster after coaching, I think the world knows now that he’s a great basketball mind, and he has a bright future in our world if he ever finds himself in it again.”
With no head coaching experience outside of his son’s youth league team, Redick seemingly has a lot to prove in his new role.
Not that he thinks so, at least.
“I’ve certainly heard everything. It’s been an interesting six weeks or so. Just in terms of being part of the engagement-farming industry, it’s been really interesting,” Redick said at his introductory presser this week. “However, I don’t really have a great answer for your question because I really don’t give a f–k.”
“I want to coach the Lakers. I want to coach the team,” Redick continued. “I don’t want to dispel anything. I don’t. I want to become a great coach in the NBA, and I want to win championships. And I want my players to maximize their careers. That’s all I f—–g care about.”
[ The Street ]
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