Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has been appointed as the new head coach of the United States men’s national basketball team, USA Basketball announced on Tuesday. Spoelstra’s tenure will run through to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking a significant new chapter for one of the NBA’s most respected coaching figures.
The 54-year-old has long been a key part of the USA Basketball setup, serving as an assistant during the team’s gold medal-winning campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He also worked as an assistant to Steve Kerr at the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup, where the U.S. finished fourth. His elevation to the top job comes as USA Basketball looks to build continuity and stability ahead of the next Olympic cycle.
“It’s an incredible honour to be named head coach of the USA Basketball men’s national team,” Spoelstra said following his appointment. “I look forward to carrying on the tradition of excellence and teamwork that defines USA Basketball.”
Spoelstra brings a wealth of experience to the role, having led the Miami Heat to back-to-back NBA championships in 2012 and 2013. Known for his tactical acumen, calm leadership, and player development expertise, he has built a reputation as one of the most innovative coaches in modern basketball. Now entering his 18th season as Miami’s head coach, Spoelstra’s consistency and success at the professional level have made him a natural successor to Kerr.
Under Spoelstra’s guidance, Team USA will aim to extend its dominance on the global stage. The U.S. men’s team has won gold at the past five Summer Olympics and boasts a total of 17 gold medals since basketball’s inclusion in the Olympic program in 1936. His appointment is seen as both a reward for his contributions and an investment in a future of sustained excellence.
The next major test for Spoelstra will come at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which will serve as a key stepping stone toward the Los Angeles Games. With the Olympics set to be held on home soil for the first time since 1996, expectations will be high for the U.S. to deliver another gold under his leadership.
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