Pat Riley's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Pat Riley.

Pat Riley is a highly successful American basketball executive, coach, and former player. He is most notably known as the president of the Miami Heat since 1995. Riley also had two stints as the Heat's head coach. Before his executive career, he was a player in the NBA.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1965: All-SEC and All-NCAA Tournament Team Selection

In 1965, Pat Riley was named First Team All-SEC, All-NCAA Tournament Team, NCAA Regional Player of the Year, SEC Player of the Year and AP Third Team All-American as a junior for the Kentucky Wildcats.

1972: NBA Championship with the Lakers

In 1972, Pat Riley played a role as a reserve on the Los Angeles Lakers team that won the NBA Championship.

1972: NBA Champion as a Player

In 1972, Pat Riley won an NBA championship as a player.

1980: NBA Champion as Assistant Coach

In 1980, Pat Riley won an NBA championship as an assistant coach.

1982: NBA Champion as Head Coach

In 1982, Pat Riley won an NBA championship as a head coach.

1985: NBA Champion as Head Coach

In 1985, Pat Riley won an NBA championship as a head coach.

1985: NBA Championship vs Celtics

In 1985, Pat Riley's Lakers won his second NBA title by defeating the Boston Celtics in six games in a rematch of the previous year.

1987: Guaranteed Repeat Championship

During the Lakers' championship parade in 1987, Pat Riley guaranteed the crowd a repeat championship.

1987: Lakers Win NBA Championship

In 1987, Pat Riley coached the Lakers to win the NBA Championship, an event that would later be recapped in his book.

1987: NBA Championship with Lakers

In 1987, Pat Riley coached the Lakers, considered one of the best teams of all time, to an NBA championship by defeating the Celtics in six games.

1987: NBA Champion as Head Coach

In 1987, Pat Riley won an NBA championship as a head coach.

1988: NBA Champion as Head Coach

In 1988, Pat Riley won an NBA championship as a head coach.

1988: NBA Championship and Repeat Champions

In 1988, Pat Riley's Lakers won the NBA title, becoming the first team in 19 years to repeat as champions by beating the Detroit Pistons in seven games, fulfilling Riley's guarantee.

1988: NBA Finals Game 7 Win with Lakers

In 1988, Riley coached the Lakers to an NBA Finals Game 7 win against the Pistons, though he later had the unfortunate distinction of losing a Finals Game 7 with two different teams.

1989: NBA Coach of the Year

In 1989, Pat Riley was named NBA Coach of the Year while coaching the Lakers.

1992: NBA Coach of the Year

In 1992, Pat Riley was named NBA Coach of the Year as head coach of the New York Knicks.

1993: Second Coach of the Year Award

In 1993, Pat Riley led the Knicks to their best regular-season record in team history, tying with the 1969-1970 team, and received his second Coach of the Year award.

1996: Named One of the 10 Greatest Coaches in NBA History

In 1996, Pat Riley was named one of the 10 Greatest Coaches in NBA history.

1997: Third Coach of the Year Award

In 1997, Pat Riley's Heat defeated the Knicks but were defeated by the Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals. Riley was selected as Coach of the Year for the third time.

June 2, 2006: Heat reach NBA Finals

On June 2, 2006, Pat Riley's Heat team defeated the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals, marking the first time Miami reached the NBA Finals.

2006: NBA Championship with the Heat

In 2006, Riley won an NBA championship as head coach of the Miami Heat.

February 27, 2007: Heat honored at White House

On February 27, 2007, the Miami Heat were honored at the White House for their 2005-06 NBA Championship, and Riley made political comments during the ceremony.

2008: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2008, Pat Riley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach.

2010: Riley acquires LeBron James and Chris Bosh

In 2010, Pat Riley acquired LeBron James and Chris Bosh to form the Heat's "Big Three" with Dwyane Wade, transforming the team into a championship contender.