Celtics name new assistant coach

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By A. Sherrod Blakely
CSNNE.com Celtics Insider
Follow @sherrodbcsn
PHILADELPHIAThe Boston Celtics, having lost their lead assistant for the second year in a row, have filled the void from within.

Mike Longabardi, who has been with the Celtics since the 2007-2008 season, has been promoted to bench assistant coach.

The previous two lead assistants, Lawrence Frank and Tom Thibodeau (who are now coaching Detroit and Chicago, respectively), were both known for their defensive coaching prowess. Longabardi's strength is also on the defensive end of the floor, but it's unclear if he'll be the C's lead assistant.

"I'm looking forward to adding Mike to our bench," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "He has been in the fold the last four years and he's more than ready for the next step."

Prior to coming to Boston, Longabardi was with the Houston Rockets for four years. He worked as an assistant coachvideo coordinator for two years, the video coordinator for one season and an assistant video coordinator for a year.

His NBA experience came after spending a number of years as a college basketball assistant at Pfeiffer University, Adelphi University, Lafayette College and Towson University.

The Brooklyn, NY native graduated from Frostburg State University with a degree in health and physical education.

A. Sherrod Blakely can be reached at sblakely@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sherrod on Twitter at http:twitter.comsherrodbcsn

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