New Celtics Coach. Bill Russell, former All-America whose defense wizardry built the Boston Celtics into a perennial power, was named coach of the National Basketball Association club today. His appointment makes him the first negro to head a major league team. The 32-year-old Russell, who is completing the first season of a three-year contract paying him $100,000 annually, will move into the role of player-coach after the Celtics wind up their championship series with the Los Angeles Lakers. Russell succeeds Red Auerbach..

Associated Press · [ca. April 1966]

[Information from item housing] Russell, Bill - Basketball: Wire Photos