Erik Spoelstra is officially taking over Team USA.
Spoelstra was named the head coach of the U.S. men’s national team officially on Tuesday. The Miami Heat coach will take over for Steve Kerr and lead USA Basketball at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“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.”
The hiring will mark the fourth straight Olympics that the U.S. men’s team will have a different coach with Kerr, Gregg Popovich and Mike Krzyzewski preceding Spoelstra. USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill is continuing his succession plan when it comes to men’s team head coaches with Spoelstra having served under Kerr, who was the No. 1 assistant for Popovich before he was promoted.
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Spoelstra, 54, served as an assistant coach with the national team from 2022-2024 and was a part of Kerr’s staff at the 2023 FIBA World Cup where the U.S. placed fourth and the 2024 gold medal-winning Olympic team.
“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.”
Spoelstra is entering his 18th season with the Heat and is the NBA’s longest-tenured active head coach. Since taking over for Pat Riley in 2008, he has only missed the playoffs three times and helped the franchise win two championships in six trips to the NBA Finals. His 1,359 games in charge and 787 wins are the most in franchise history. His 110 playoff wins are fifth-most in league history.
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The U.S men’s team has won two FIBA World Cups since 2010, but has not medaled in the previous two tournaments. It’s a different story when it comes to Olympic play, with the Americans winning nine of the past 11 gold medals, including five straight.