Carroll not retained by Celtics

Boston director of basketball operations Danny Ainge met with Carroll Monday and after a lengthy conversation, there was a mutual understanding that Carroll would not be back as the head coach.

Ainge said that Carroll would only come back to Boston if the new head coach wanted him on his staff.

"This is a time we need to make a change and I think all of you have speculated on that and have probably known that has been the case and John and I felt the same way that a change is needed," said Ainge.

Carroll took over for the final 36 games of the season after head coach Jim O’Brien resigned due to differences with Danny Ainge, the team’s director of basketball operations.

The 48-year-old Carroll finished with a 14-22 record, but still guided Boston into the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Celtics, though, suffered a four-game sweep at the hands of top-seeded Indiana.

"John Carroll did a fantastic job for our team, based on the circumstances he was given. The perception of not having a great deal of power is a difficult one to be in," added Ainge.

Prior to taking over as the team’s head coach, Carroll served as an assistant for the club since June 23, 1997. Overall, this was Carroll’s ninth year in the NBA as he also was a scout with both the Portland Trail Blazers and Orlando Magic.

Carroll was the head coach at Duquesne University from 1989-95 before making his move to the NBA. He led the Dukes to their highest win total (18) in 10 years during the 1994-95 campaign.

Also, all Celtics assistants have been granted permission to speak with other teams about jobs. Ainge said there is no timetable for a head coach replacement, but hopes to have one in place by the NBA Draft in June.