Brad Stevens

Brad Stevens could soon have a new assistant coach on his staff.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

The Boston Celtics have begun the process of adding former University of Pennsylvania head coach Jerome Allen to Brad Stevens' staff, according to the Boston Globe.

The Globe's Adam Himmelsbach reported Saturday that Allen and the Celtics are "in negotiations." The staff has had an opening since Darren Erman left for the New Orleans Pelicans.

A former NBA player and teammate of Kevin Garnett's, Allen most recently coached at his alma mater, Penn, where he compiled a 65-103 record. The 42-year-old's admiration for Stevens has been noted, and former associates think he should work well with his potential new boss.

One college coach who knows Allen well said, "The real deal. Best dude in the world. ... Love him. Think he'll be great (with the Celtics) -- especially helping to develop their young guards."