On Tuesday, USA Basketball announced that Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has been named head coach of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team through 2028.
Spoelstra was selected by USA Basketball’s Men’s National Team managing director Grant Hill and was approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors.
In addition to an Olympic gold medal as an assistant coach at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Spoelstra was an assistant coach to Steve Kerr at the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup, where the USA finished fourth, and served as head of the 2021 USA Basketball Men’s Select Team, which trained alongside the 2020 USA Men’s National Team ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named head coach of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team,” Spoelstra said in a statement. “Representing our country and leading world-class athletes to marquee competitions is one of the greatest privileges in sport. I look forward to carrying on the tradition of excellence and teamwork that defines USA Basketball.”
Spoelstra will lead the USA men at the 2027 FIBA Men’s World Cup in Doha, Qatar, and at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. Additionally, Spoelstra will coach at training camps and USA Basketball Showcase exhibitions prior to both major competitions.
“I have known Erik Spoelstra for the better part of two decades and have gotten to know him better throughout our time with USA Basketball,” Hill said in a statement. “Spo is not only an outstanding coach, but a great colleague, friend, and father, all of which make him the perfect choice to continue the USA Basketball Men’s National Team coaching legacy through 2028.”
Earlier this month, Spoelstra began his 18th season as head coach of the Miami Heat, making him the longest tenured coach in the NBA with one team. He has led the Heat to NBA championships in 2012 and 2013 and six total NBA Finals appearances (most recently in 2023). Spoelstra was an assistant coach for Miami’s 2006 NBA title run after starting as video coordinator with the organization in 1995
The USA Basketball Men’s National Team has won 17 Olympic gold medals, including five straight (2008-2024), along with five World titles, most recently in 2014.
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