CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers have hired J.B. Bickerstaff as associate head coach, league sources told cleveland.com.

The two sides are still working through the final details and specific terms of the contract, but sources said Bickerstaff will receive a long-term deal.

Bickerstaff impressed the Cavaliers during his interview for the head-coaching gig and was considered one of the team’s top candidates until John Beilein agreed to leave the University of Michigan. Shortly after Beilein was hired, sources told cleveland.com that the Cavs would “love” to get Bickerstaff as Beilein’s top aide, putting Bickertsaff at the top of their wish list. But Cleveland’s front office didn’t want to force any coaches on Beilein, instead giving him the freedom to hire his own staff.

On Wednesday morning, Beilein and Bickerstaff met for breakfast in Chicago at the NBA combine and the two hit it off, sources said.

“This was a very easy decision to add J.B. as our associate head coach. He is a respected and accomplished coach who I’m very excited and fortunate to have next to me,” Beilein said in a statement released by the team. “When I spoke with J.B., I quickly realized that we share many of the same core values, principles and views about coaching basketball and team culture. I also think J.B. will bring ideas and leadership that will compliment my approach well and help the team in very impactful ways. I can’t wait to merge all his years of NBA experience and expertise into the full vision for the team.”

After being fired in a franchise shakeup following two years as Memphis head coach, Bickerstaff met with the Los Angeles Lakers for their head-coaching vacancy and was still in the running to be a lead assistant even after L.A. opted for Frank Vogel. Bickerstaff also interviewed with Boston, Sacramento and Philadelphia -- all teams with enticing assistant openings on staff. But Cavs general manager Koby Altman stayed persistent, and both Altman and Beilein helped convince Bickerstaff that he would play a vital role in the Cavaliers’ rebuild.

After hiring Beilein on May 13, one day before the NBA Draft Lottery, the Cavs set out to find an experienced lead assistant to help in Beilein’s difficult transition from college to the pros. The son of Cavaliers front-office consultant Bernie Bickerstaff, J.B. has three years of head-coaching experience in Houston and Memphis.

As for the remainder of Beilein’s staff, sources said the Cavs have some holdover assistants that they really value and have talked to Beilein about already. But that situation remains fluid.

Beilein is expected to hold his introductory press conference Tuesday.

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