Stefanski interviewed former Washington Wizards coach Eddie Jordan on Friday.

A source close to Jordan said the coach left the interview with the impression that Stefanski's search would be "a process."

Danny Ainge, Boston's general manager, said that Stefanski called last week requesting permission to interview Thibodeau. Ainge granted permission yesterday, the day after the Orlando Magic eliminated the Celtics from the NBA playoffs.

Thibodeau could not be reached for comment.

Boston coach Doc Rivers called the news "terrific" and said he had called Stefanski to see how he might help.

The sentiment out of Boston was that Thibodeau would make an excellent head coach and needed only an opportunity.

Thibodeau has coached for 19 seasons in the NBA, but none as head coach. He spent two seasons as a Sixers assistant to coach John Lucas in the 1990s.

The Celtics assistant is considered one of the best defensive coaches in the NBA. In his 19 seasons, his teams have finished in the top 10 in defense 15 times.

Thibodeau coached under Jeff Van Gundy with the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. When Van Gundy was fired in Houston, Thibodeau moved to the Celtics.

"He is tireless, focused, disciplined, but also enjoyable to be around," Van Gundy said in an e-mail. "I think his leadership style would be Andy Reid-like. All he needs is someone to believe in him enough to give him a chance and the organization that does will be rewarded."

He coached for two seasons in Boston on one-year contracts, presumably because of his desire to become a head coach.

Last off-season, Thibodeau was rumored to be a candidate for the Knicks' and Chicago Bulls' coaching vacancies.

Rivers said he hoped Thibodeau would get more interviews. The Sacramento Kings are the only other NBA team with a coaching vacancy.

Contact staff writer Kate Fagan at 856-779-3844 or kfagan@phillynews.com.