ESPN’s decision to lay off Jeff Van Gundy before this NBA season was met with controversy. Following his departure, Van Gundy became a senior consultant for the Boston Celtics. His brother, Stan Van Gundy, criticized ESPN’s handling of the situation during an appearance on the LeBatard Show.
“He was hurt by it. I mean, he’d worked for them for 17 years, and it wasn’t just that they made the move—they treated him terribly,” Stan Van Gundy said about Jeff’s layoff on the LeBatard Show. “The timing was awful. They waited until the NBA market for coaching, assistant, and front office jobs had dried up to make the move. They delayed and delayed on a buyout that would free him to work elsewhere. After 17 years in arguably the best game broadcast booth in basketball, they treated him horribly. All I could do was tell him how I saw the situation and feel terrible for him.”
ESPN’s decision to part ways with Jeff Van Gundy was not well-received. However, he now has an opportunity to win a championship with the Celtics if they secure the NBA Finals, where they will face either the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Mavericks, currently leading the series 3-1, seem like the more likely opponent.
**Jeff Van Gundy’s Future**
It will be intriguing to see if Jeff Van Gundy returns to the media or broadcasting world, as he was a favorite among NBA fans. Many would be disappointed if he doesn’t make a comeback, but as his brother mentioned, he could stay involved with a team.
Jeff Van Gundy is unlikely to return as a head coach, having last coached the Houston Rockets during the 2006-2007 season. He spent seven seasons with the New York Knicks and four with the Rockets, amassing a 430-318 coaching record. With significant experience, he is currently assisting the Celtics as a consultant.
Van Gundy was one of several prominent figures let go by ESPN last summer, along with Mark Jackson, Jalen Rose, Keyshawn Johnson, and Steve Young.
