[jwplayer D1pmtUyV-XNcErKyb]
It’s news that was shocking when the reports started over the weekend that the Cleveland Cavaliers and John Beilein, the longtime former Michigan basketball coach, could part ways before NBA play resumed after the All-Star break.
Rumors became a reality on Wednesday, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that the two entities had come to terms, while The Athletic’s Shams Charania claimed that Beilein wouldn’t just be walking away, but he would be doing so with a hefty settlement.
Considering that Beilein made the shocking departure from Ann Arbor to begin with, mired with questions of how his style of coaching would mesh — or not so — in the professional ranks, reactions came pouring in from the Michigan faithful and the media, alike.
WolverinesWire compiled some of the reactions on Twitter, starting with a recognizable firebrand who used it as an opportunity to make fun of rival MSU.
Rookie mistake by John Beilein. You’re not supposed to step away until the retention bonus kicks in. Or until you’re about to get busted for cheating. Or both.
— Scott Bell (@sbell021) February 19, 2020
John Beilein should return to college basketball, break bad and cheat as much as possible to win a national championship with Eastern Michigan.
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) February 19, 2020
Every struggling major conference school looking to get back to the big time should hand Beilein a blank check. Even if he's only at a school five years, that was long enough for him to take Michigan from a decade without a tournament appearance to the Final Four.
— Theo Mackie (@theo_mackie) February 19, 2020
I love John Beilein and the way he coaches, the discipline and selflessness with which his players play. Unfortunately It was bound to fail in the nba https://t.co/VkTkmfdfC5
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) February 19, 2020
From all of my interactions I think the world of John Beilein. He always did things the right way always respected those of us covering him. Wish things were different and will always wish him the best. https://t.co/1W7ygZPHxE
— Dana Jacobson (@danajacobson) February 19, 2020
It’s official John Beilein OUT in Cleveland after less than a season . Yes ust be honest , he deserved a chance to live his dream , but NEVER should have left Michigan… pic.twitter.com/9XVwefQYOj
— Dan Leach (@DanLeach971) February 19, 2020
I hope Beilein goes back to college and ends on a high note, because he deserves a better ending to his coaching career than this. https://t.co/2NSnBNY9Oi
— Seth Wells (@SethTVSports) February 19, 2020
I think we can all agree this sucks. We knew what may happen, but this still sucks. https://t.co/aMhT7uwV8y
— Maize n Brew (@MaizenBrew) February 19, 2020
John Beilein is a good man. The NBA just wasn’t for him. #Cavs
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) February 19, 2020
#Cavs were scrappy and fun to the start the year. Have had some moments. Thought they’d grow under Beilein.
Moral of the story: Dan Gilbert, folks! https://t.co/jb7SQ7YU0n
— Jeff D Bong Hive (@JeffDLowe) February 19, 2020
This is crazy. I hope Beilein secures the bag on the way out https://t.co/h2xwXdVCZk
— Kyle Bogenschutz (@KyleBogey971) February 19, 2020
Not sure what Beilein wants to do next — besides get a lot of sleep — but at least he can say he experienced the NBA grinder firsthand. Doomed from the start? Probably. These situations usually are. https://t.co/FxAQ9vLPX6
— Bob Wojnowski (@bobwojnowski) February 19, 2020
Welp. https://t.co/aVee2HNosM
— Eric Lloyd (@EricLloyd) February 19, 2020
What a shame. He wanted to coach at the highest levels, I believe its the NBA ego's that wouldn't allow that. https://t.co/1My9Qa9M1U
— Justin Rose (@JRoseWXYZ) February 19, 2020
Nine months ago, we stalked a Chicago hotel waiting to see John arrive for the draft lottery. He said leaving Michigan for the Cavs was an opportunity too difficult to pass up and the right thing to do. Unfortunate to see it end this way for a respected coach. https://t.co/aQjilHeH1w
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) February 19, 2020