Erik Spoelstra, also known as "Coach Spo," is a highly respected American professional basketball coach. He currently serves as the head coach for the Miami Heat and an assistant coach for the United States men's national basketball team. Considered one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, Spoelstra has led the Heat to two NBA championships. A Filipino American, he holds the distinction of being the first Asian American head coach to win a title in any of the four major North American sports leagues.
November 1, 1970: Birth of Erik Spoelstra
Erik Jon Spoelstra was born on November 1, 1970. He is known as "Coach Spo" and is a prominent figure in American basketball.
1989: Spoelstra Named WCC Freshman of the Year
Spoelstra was named West Coast Conference (WCC) freshman of the year in 1989.
1990: Spoelstra Witnesses Hank Gathers' Collapse
In 1990, during a WCC basketball tournament game, Spoelstra was present when Hank Gathers collapsed and died of a heart condition.
1992: Spoelstra Graduates from University of Portland
Spoelstra graduated from the University of Portland with a degree in communications in 1992.
1993: Spoelstra Begins Playing and Coaching in Germany
Spoelstra started his professional basketball career in Germany in 1993, playing and coaching for TuS Herten.
1995: Spoelstra Hired as Video Coordinator; Pat Riley Becomes Heat's Head Coach
In 1995, Spoelstra was hired as the Heat's video coordinator, shortly after Pat Riley became the team's head coach.
1995: Spoelstra Joins Miami Heat as Video Coordinator
Spoelstra accepted a position as video coordinator with the Miami Heat in 1995, marking the start of his NBA career.
1999: Spoelstra Promoted to Assistant Coach/Advance Scout
In 1999, Spoelstra was promoted to assistant coach/advance scout for the Miami Heat.
2001: Spoelstra Becomes Assistant Coach/Director of Scouting
Spoelstra was promoted to assistant coach/director of scouting for the Miami Heat in 2001.
2001: Spoelstra Becomes Assistant Coach and Director of Scouting
In 2001, Spoelstra became the Miami Heat's assistant coach and director of scouting.
2004: Spoelstra Helps Improve Dwyane Wade's Game
Following Dwyane Wade's return from the 2004 Summer Olympics, Spoelstra helped refine Wade's balance and jump shot.
2006: Spoelstra Wins First NBA Championship as Assistant Coach
In 2006, Spoelstra was part of the coaching staff when the Miami Heat won the NBA Championship.
2006: Spoelstra Wins First NBA Championship as Assistant Coach
In 2006, Spoelstra won his first NBA championship as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat.
April 2008: Spoelstra Becomes First Asian American Head Coach in NBA History
In April 2008, Spoelstra was appointed head coach of the Miami Heat, making him the first Asian American head coach in NBA history.
2008: Spoelstra Becomes Head Coach of Miami Heat
Spoelstra was promoted to head coach of the Miami Heat in 2008.
2010: LeBron James and Chris Bosh Join Miami Heat
LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined the Miami Heat in 2010, significantly raising expectations for the team.
December 2011: Spoelstra Receives Contract Extension
In December 2011, Spoelstra received a contract extension with the Miami Heat through the 2013-14 season.
2012: Spoelstra Coaches Eastern Conference All-Stars
Spoelstra was selected as the head coach for the Eastern Conference All-Star team in 2012.
2012: Spoelstra Leads Heat to NBA Championship
Spoelstra led the Miami Heat to their second NBA championship in franchise history and his first as head coach in 2012.
2012: Spoelstra Wins First NBA Championship as Head Coach
In 2012, Spoelstra led the Miami Heat to their first NBA championship under his leadership.
February 3, 2013: Heat Begin 27-Game Winning Streak
The Miami Heat, coached by Spoelstra, began a 27-game winning streak on February 3, 2013, the third-longest in NBA history.
March 27, 2013: Heat's 27-Game Winning Streak Ends
The Miami Heat's impressive 27-game winning streak ended with a loss to the Chicago Bulls on March 27, 2013.
September 29, 2013: Contract Extension
On September 29, 2013, Erik Spoelstra's contract with the Miami Heat was extended for multiple years. Though specific details weren't publicly disclosed, it involved a pay raise and an expanded role in the front office.
2013: Spoelstra's Contract Extension Expires
Spoelstra's contract extension, which he signed in late 2011, expired after the 2013 NBA season.
2013: Spoelstra Wins Second Consecutive NBA Championship
The Miami Heat, under Spoelstra's coaching, secured their second consecutive NBA championship in 2013.
2014: NBA Finals Appearance
In 2014, Spoelstra led the Heat to their fourth consecutive NBA Finals appearance, where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in five games. This marked Spoelstra as the third coach in history to lead a team to four straight Finals.
July 2016: Marriage to Nikki Sapp
Erik Spoelstra married former Miami Heat dancer, Nikki Sapp, in July 2016, after a previous engagement with Analia Romero.
2016: NBCA Co-Coach of the Year
In 2016, Spoelstra was named NBCA Co-Coach of the Year for leading the Heat to a remarkable 30-11 record in the final 41 games of the season.
December 16, 2017: Franchise Wins Record
On December 16, 2017, Spoelstra achieved his 455th win as the Heat's head coach, surpassing Pat Riley's record for most wins in franchise history, during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
2019: Start of 2019-20 NBA Season
Erik Spoelstra began coaching the Miami Heat for the 2019-20 NBA Season.
2020: NBA Finals Appearance
In 2020, Spoelstra coached the Heat to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
April 28, 2021: 600th Win and Sixth Coach with 600 Wins with One Team
On April 28, 2021, Spoelstra achieved his 600th win as head coach of the Miami Heat. This accomplishment placed him as only the sixth coach in NBA history to reach 600 wins with a single team.
February 6, 2022: All-Star Game Head Coach
On February 6, 2022, Spoelstra was selected as the Eastern Conference head coach for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.
2022: Start of 2022-23 Season
Spoelstra began coaching the Miami Heat for the 2022-23 NBA Season.
March 13, 2023: 20th on All-Time Wins List
On March 13, 2023, Spoelstra achieved his 697th career win, placing him 20th on the NBA's all-time wins list for head coaches. With this win, he surpassed Red Holzman and moved closer to John MacLeod.
November 2023: Divorce from Nikki Sapp
In November 2023, Erik Spoelstra and Nikki Sapp divorced.
2023: NBA Finals Appearance
In 2023, Spoelstra led the 8th-seed Miami Heat to the NBA Finals. This was his sixth Finals appearance as a head coach, but the Heat lost to the Denver Nuggets.