Miami Heat name Erik Spoelstra as Head Coach

Pat Riley has stepped down as head coach of the Miami Heat. He is to be replaced by former Assistant Coach/Director of Scouting Erik Spoelstra.

The 37-year old Spoelstra has been with the organization for 13 seasons. The Portland native’s first role with the Heat was as the team’s video coordinator in 1995.

Spoelstra appointment makes him the NBA’s youngest current head coach, born on Nov. 1, 1970 in Evanston, IL. Lawrence Frank of the New Jersey Nets was the previous youngest head coach. He is 69 days older than Spoelstra.

Spoelstra grew up in Portland, Oregon and attended Jesuit High School, followed by his days at the University of Portland. He is third all-time in assists for his high school team. He also was an accomplished college player and was the starting point guard for four years for Portland.

Spoelstra had the honor of being named West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in 1989. During his college career he scored over 1000 points.

After he graduated from College in 1992 with a communications degree he headed to Germany where he was player/coach for TuS Herten (later the Herten Ruhr Devils), a German professional team.

Pat Riley will stay on as team President.

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