the whole team almost died in a plane crash 2 years ago, and last year he had open heart surgery

plus after the Pistons flirtation last year he himself intimated strongly (without making definitive statements, in fairness) that this would be his last job

and while i was kinda stunned, i never like...resented him or anything. after amaker righted the culture, Beilein restored the excellence in a way that shouldnt have really worked in modern times. shock shouldnt be taken for lack of gratitude or appreciation. we just assumed he would retire here.