The news is dropping hard and fast for the Boston Celtics. Danny Ainge has announced his intention to step down from his role as team president, opening the door for Brad Stevens to become the man making the decisions. Within the hour of the news breaking, there already appear to be candidates in line to fill Stevens' shoes.

Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Jason Kidd and recently-fired Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce have been named as top candidates for the Celtics' opening. (via report from Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes)

The Celtics' two candidates haven't exactly had a sterling run during their previous stints as head coach. Jason Kidd spent four and a half seasons as head coach, amassing a pedestrian 183-190 record. The Hall-of-Famer coached the Brooklyn Nets to a respectable 44-38 record, then spent a few middling seasons calling the shots for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lloyd Pierce, meanwhile, figured in a controversial season with the Hawks. He got dragged in an article from The Athletic, detailing his less-than-stellar relationships with his players. His garnered just 63 wins in 183 games through his three-year stint in Atlanta.

Choosing the right head coach becomes critical in setting the tone as the Boston Celtics enter a new era.