Erik Spoelstra Agrees To Extension With Miami Heat

Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat have agreed on a multiyear contract extension two days before training camp starts.

Spoelstra has been with the Miami Heat in some capacity for more than two decades. The relationship has been incredibly fruitful for both sides, and will be for years to come.

Because of Erik Spoelstra’s long-standing tenure in Miami, some around the league are expecting the extension to include some role in the team’s front office.

Last season, Dwayne Wade spoke glowingly of Spoelstra, “What’s overlooked for him is the management of the team. It’s not the coaching part of it. It’s, ‘Can you manage these egos, these personalities, without having one your damn self?’ He’s done it.”

Erik Spoelstra has done an incredible job managing the egos of his big three players; Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh.

In five seasons as the head coach of the Miami Heat, Spoelstra has a 260-134 record, including a 50-29 playoff record. The last two seasons, he led the Heat to the NBA Finals, winning both times.

After a season the Heat went 66-16, including a 27 game winning streak, it’s no surprise Spoelstra got extended. It would be hard to see anyone else coaching the team at this point.

Erik Spoelstra started with Miami in 1995 as a video coordinator, then slowly worked his way up the ranks.

When he finally got his chance to take over as the head coach in 2008, he took over a 15 win team and improved the number by 28. The turnaround was quick, and the Heat have only gotten better since.

Do you think Erik Spoelstra deserved his extension?

[image via Wikimedia Commons]