Bill Fitch Health: What Happened To Former Celtics Coach? Bill Fitch is unquestionably one of the most gifted and skilled coaches of his era, and is regarded as one of the top ten NBA coaches. The death of Bill Fitch, the two-time NBA Coach of the Year, has shocked the entire globe. What killed him, and how did he die? Check it out.
He led the Boston Celtics to the NBA victory in 1981. The NBA Coach of the Year Award was given to the Hall of Fame coach twice.
NBA: How Did 89-Year-Old Bill Fitch Pass Away? Bill Fitch, according to reports, died on Wednesday at the age of 89.
Bill’s girl, Marcy Ann Coville, confirmed his death. Marcy notified Pacers mentor Rick Carlisle about the incident, and Carlisle eventually told the rest of the world.
After a successful stint as a school mentor, Flitch began his expert instructing career. He’d turned a few mediocre teams into season finisher contenders.
Bill Fitch Health: Former Boston Celtics Coach Miss Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony With Health Issues
Bill Fitch, the two-time NBA Coach of the Year and coach of the 1981 World Champion Boston Celtics, announced today that health issues will prevent him from attending Friday’s Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies.
“Unfortunately, I am unable to be in Springfield, Mass. for the enshrinement festivities as I am physically unable to travel and under doctors care,” Fitch said in a statement. “I sincerely appreciate the honor of being recognized by the Basketball Hall of Fame and know my daughter Marcyann and her husband Ron will represent me well, alongside my esteemed presenter, Larry Bird.”
The 87-year-old Fitch coached five NBA franchises between 1970 and 1998. He spent four seasons in Boston, replacing Dave Cowens in 1979. His title in 1981 was actually the first of the “Big 3” era with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish.
Fitch abruptly quit as Celtics head coach when Harry Mangurian decided to sell the team. He also cited the eventual end or Red Auerbach’s direct involvement with the Celtics.
“Without Harry being here, and with Red having said he won’t be here for another five years and eat Chinese food with me, a change is good,” Fitch said at the time.
Fitch went on to coach the Houston Rockets. He and his old team ended up meeting in the NBA Finals in 1986, which Boston took in six games.
At the time of his retirement, no man had coached more NBA games than Fitch. He earned the nickname “Captain Video” because of his early adoption of using video to scout opponents and evaluate talent.
NBA: Death Cause – Did He Die of Cancer? Aged 89?
According to the sources, Bill Fitch died at the age of 89 this Wednesday.
Marcy Ann Coville, Bill’s daughter, confirmed his death. Marcy informed Pacers coach Rick Carlisle of the incident, and the coach later broke the news to the rest of the world.
Flitch’s professional coaching career began following a successful stint as a college coach. He had transformed several mediocre teams into playoff contenders.
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He worked as a college coach at the University of Minnesota, University of North Dakota, Bowling Green State University, and Coe College.
Bill got hired as an NBA coach for the first time in 1970. He was in charge of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the time, and he had a successful nine-year tenure with them.
Then, in 1979 coach Bill would move on to coach Boston Celtics and would enjoy more success as there he won the second coach of the year award and led the team to become NBA champions.
Obituary: Coach Of Celtics Bill Fitch Death
The cause of death for former Boston Celtics coach Bill Fitch has yet to be confirmed.
However, the obituaries about his death did mention that the veteran coach died peacefully with his family.
Hall of Famer Bill Fitch, twice Coach of the Year and a champion with Boston in 1981 as Larry Bird’s first NBA coach, has died at age 89.
Fitch’s passing was confirmed by daughter Marcy Ann Coville via Indiana's Rick Carlisle, who broke into coaching under Fitch in New Jersey. pic.twitter.com/IsTcCDOAMR
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 3, 2022
Bill, who was born on May 19, 1932, in Davenport, Iowa, was well past his prime and very old. As a result, there is a strong chance that the veteran died of old age.
There was no news or information about his health problems prior to his death. As a result, we are unable to link any disease to his death.
Bill Fitch Wife & Children Details
Although there have been no reports of Bill Fitch being ill, his wife and children have suffered from chronic disease in the past.
Joni Fitch, Fitch’s wife, was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in 2006 and died from it in 2011.
I am so sad to learn that Hall of Fame coach Bill Fitch has passed away. Fitch was the coach of the Rockets when I fell in love with the team and led Houston on a thrill ride to the Finals in 1986 when the city really became crazy about the "unbeatable" Rockets. RIP. pic.twitter.com/QcV5FJaKN5
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) February 3, 2022
Bill and Jonu first met back in 1979. Bill was already a well-known coach at the time, and Jonu was a flight attendant for United Airlines.
Lisa Flint, Flint’s daughter, who worked as a coach at the University of Akron, Wright State University, Walsh University, and several other high schools, was also diagnosed with breast cancer.
When did Bill Fitch coach the Celtics?
Bill Fitch
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| 1967–1968 | Bowling Green |
| 1968–1970 | Minnesota |
| 1970–1979 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 1979–1983 | Boston Celtics |
