Celtics’ K.C. Jones and Tom Heinsohn Announce Retirement Plans

Apr. 27, 1965 - K.C. Jones and Tom Heinsohn, members of the world champion Boston Celtics of the NBA, announced tonight that they would retire after next season. Jones, a sparkplug guard, said he would take a post as varsity basketball coach at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass., for the 1966-67 season.

Heinsohn, a forward, has accepted a post as assistant general agent of a Boston agency of the State Mutual Life Assurance Company.

He said he would reach a decision by next September on whether he would continue as an active player for a 10th season.

Jones’ arrangement of playing one more season with the Celtics is similar to the one Bob Cousy had when he became the Boston College coach. Jones, 33, has played eight seasons of pro basketball. 

His only coaching experience was with an Army team at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. That was after he and Bill Russell had helped the U.S. win the Olympic basketball championship in 1956. Jones and Russell also were teammates at San Francisco University.

“I won’t change my mind even if the Celtics have another big year,” Jones said. “I’ve agreed to coach Brandeis, and I will. Don’t forget I’ll be 34 years old next year, and I have to think of the future. I’ve always wanted to coach, and this is a great opportunity.” 

On Sunday night, the Celtics won their seventh straight NBA championship and their eighth in nine years. Brandeis did not win a game last year.

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