Chauncey Billups named Trail Blazers coach

Chauncey Billups, who played 17 seasons in the NBA before before retiring in 2014, is the Portland Trail Blazers’ new coach.

The Blazers and Billups hammered out the details of a five-year contract on Sunday, according to ESPN. Portland will hold an introductory news conference for Billups on Tuesday.

The 44-year-old Billups spent the past season as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers. Now he’s set to begin his first NBA head coaching job.

Chauncey Billups said it’s a good environment for him to begin the next chapter of his coaching career.

“Portland is a special place and a unique franchise,” Billups said in a statement. “As a player I always loved playing here because the passion and knowledge of the fans brought out the very best in me as a competitor. Now I’m looking forward to being on the other side of that energy and engaging with the Portland community on a whole other level.”

Chauncey Billups replaces Terry Stotts

Portland and longtime coach Terry Stotts agreed to sever their relationship earlier this month after the team’s first-round playoff exit. Stotts coached the Blazers for nine seasons and compiled a 420-318 record.

After Stotts’ departure, a new era begins with Chauncey Billups, the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, calling the plays.