Bill Russell’s name is synonymous with two things in the NBA — winning and being a member of the Boston Celtics. During his time as just a player for the team, he won 11 titles, which is the most of any single player in NBA history. But on April 18, 1966, Russell took on an even bigger challenge.
Legendary Celtics head coach Red Auerbach retired, leaving a coaching vacancy. Instead of searching for a replacement, the Celtics decided to name Bill Russell the head coach of the team, making Russell the first Black head coach in NBA history. And as a player-coach of the Celtics, Russell would win two titles in his three seasons in the dual role.
