Red Auerbach Biography

Arnold Jacob Red Auerbach was born on September 20, 1917, and passed away on October 28, 2006, serving as an American professional basketball coach and executive. As head coach, he guided the Boston Celtics to eight straight NBA championships from 1959 to 1966. After retiring in 1966, he held the NBA coaching record of 938 wins. He served as general manager of the Celtics from 1966 to 1984 and later held roles as president and vice-chairman of the Board. In 1980, the Professional Basketball Writers Association of America named him the greatest coach in NBA history. Auerbach was a three-time letterman, team captain, and led his team in scoring during the 1940 season. In the 1946–47 BAA season, he led a fast break-oriented team with early BAA star Bones McKinney and various ex-Navy players to a 49–11 win–loss record.