Kevin Willard had just graduated college, and like many 22-year-old kids, he didn’t have any immediate plans.

Then, the phone rang. It was Rick Pitino, his father Ralph’s close friend who was the head coach of the Celtics.

“I got this job, it sucks. I’m not going to pay you [much], and I’m going to work you until you die,” Willard recalled Pitino saying. “Are you interested?”

Willard didn’t even know if he wanted to coach, but Ralph advised his son if that were something he planned to pursue, the job offer was a no-brainer. Kevin gave it a shot.