Red Auerbach

The architect of the Celtics dynasty and a pioneer for racial equality in basketball.

Arnold Jacob "Red" Auerbach (September 20, 1917 – October 28, 2006) was an American professional basketball coach and executive. As head coach, he led the Boston Celtics to eight consecutive NBA championships between 1959 and 1966. On retiring in 1966, he held an NBA coaching record of 938 wins. He served as general manager of the Celtics from 1966 to 1984, and later as president and vice-chairman of the Board. He served as president of the Celtics until his death in 2006 at the age of 89.

Quick Facts

Born: 20 September 1917
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died: 28 October 2006
Place of death: Washington, D.C., U.S.
High school: Eastern District (Brooklyn, New York)
College: Seth Low JC (1936–1937); George Washington (1937–1940)
Career position: Guard
Coach start: 1940

Lore & Background

Auerbach coached many players who were inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He also played a key role in decreasing racial discrimination in the NBA. In 1950, he drafted Chuck Cooper, the NBA's first African-American player. In 1965, he introduced the first African-American starting five. In 1966, he hired Bill Russell as the NBA's first African-American head coach.

Reader's Guide

Auerbach was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969. In 1980, the Professional Basketball Writers Association of America voted Auerbach the greatest coach in the NBA history. He was also named NBA Executive of the Year in 1980. Auerbach has been regarded as one of the NBA 10 Greatest Coaches in history, was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and had his number 2 jersey retired at TD Garden, the Celtics' stadium.

Did You Know?

Auerbach earned the nickname "Red" due to his distinctive flaming red hair and fiery temper.
He played a game for the Harrisburg Senators of the American Basketball League on February 4, 1943, scoring one point.
Auerbach served in the U.S. Navy from June 1943 to October 1946 as a Rehabilitation and Physical Training officer.
He coached the Washington Capitols to a 49–11 record in the 1946–47 BAA season, including a 17-game winning streak.