Report: Cavs hire Michigan’s John Beilein as head coach

The Cavs have found Larry Drew’s successor.

The Cavs have a new head coach, and it’s a bit of a surprise.

As first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Cavs have hired Michigan’s John Beilein, 66, as their new head coach. Beilein, per The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, interviewed for the job last week, but was not one of the candidates whose names made it out to the public. He agreed to the deal on Sunday, and talks with Cleveland were running currently to the four interviews the Cavs did over the weekend in Denver.

Per Woj, Beilein has agreed to a five-year deal with the Cavs. For the last 12 years, he’s coached the Wolverines, making two Final Fours and winning four Big Ten titles in that span. He talked to the Magic and Pistons about their opening last year.

Additionally, Woj reports that that want Beilein to install his “value system” with the Cavs organization. That at least lines up with the Cavs’ often repeated goal of building a culture in the organization. The plan, per Woj, is to also staff Beilein’s staff with experienced NBA assistants.

Also of note: Assistant GM Mike Gansey played for Beilein at West Virginia and owner Dan Gilbert has been an admirer of Beilein, per Woj.