Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN has revealed on Twitter that the Boston Celtics will hire Ime Udoka as their new head coach, replacing Brad Steven.

He tweeted: “The Boston Celtics are finalizing an agreement to hire Brooklyn Nets assistant Ime Udoka as the franchise’s new coach, sources tell ESPN.”

Udoka was among the three candidates known to have a second interview with Boston. The two other candidates were Los Angeles Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups and Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham.

The 43-year-old Udoka played in the NBA for seven seasons. After his retirement in 2012, he was hired by the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich. He spent seven years in that position before moving to Philadelphia and worked under Brett Brown as an assistant for one year with the 76ers.

This year he spent as an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets before finally hired by the Celtics.

The Boston Celtics are finalizing an agreement to hire Brooklyn Nets assistant Ime Udoka as the franchise's new coach, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2021

Udoka separated himself quickly in Brad Stevens' search process, including significant support from Celtics players who were impressed with Udoka after working under him with Team USA in the World's. https://t.co/87p0Q02tkS

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2021

Analytics : 7 nba teams are remaining 4 are lead by African American head coaches

— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) June 15, 2021

Stevens was believed to value Udoka's extensive experience as an assistant with Spurs, Sixers and Nets. Udoka had developed into a top head coaching candidate in this cycle, and seemed destined to get a job. He's getting one with the Celtics that includes two young All-Stars.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2021