Miami Heat and Erik Spoelstra agree on an 8-year contract extension
MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Heat and head coach Erik Spoelstra have agreed to an eight-year contract extension, ensuring that Spoelstra, the longest-tenured coach in franchise history, will continue to lead the team for many years to come.
According to a person with knowledge of the agreement who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity, Spoelstra’s current deal expires after this season, and the new extension will keep him with the Heat for the foreseeable future.
Spoelstra, who is in his 16th season as head coach in Miami and his 29th season overall with the franchise, joined the Heat at age 24 and has since become the second-longest-tenured current coach in the league, behind San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich.
With three NBA championship rings under his belt, including two as Miami’s head coach, Spoelstra’s 725 regular-season wins rank 19th in NBA history. He is also an assistant coach for USA Basketball and will be part of head coach Steve Kerr’s staff at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris this summer.
The Heat have had only six coaches in the franchise’s 36 years, and Spoelstra has been a key part of the organization’s stability and consistency.
Spoelstra has expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’ve been very fortunate to work for who I work for.” The Heat organization also puts a premium on stability, and Spoelstra’s extension solidifies his position as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Under his leadership, the Heat have enjoyed incredible stability, consistency, and success, and the team looks forward to many more years of continued growth and excellence under his guidance.