Stan Van Gundy is a prominent figure in American basketball, known for his coaching career and television commentary. He has led several NBA teams, including the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, and New Orleans Pelicans. His most notable achievements include guiding the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009. Van Gundy's coaching style is characterized by a focus on analytics and player development. He is also recognized for his outspoken personality and insightful commentary on NBA on TNT and College Basketball on CBS. He is the older brother of fellow NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy.
August 26, 1959: Birth of Stan Van Gundy
Stan Van Gundy was born on August 26, 1959.
1981: Van Gundy Graduates from SUNY-Brockport
Stan Van Gundy graduated from SUNY-Brockport in 1981 with degrees in English and Physical Education.
1983: Van Gundy Becomes Head Coach at Castleton State College
Stan Van Gundy started as head coach at Castleton State College in 1983.
1984: Van Gundy Named District 5 Coach of the Year
Stan Van Gundy was named the NAIA District 5 Coach of the Year in 1984.
1986: Van Gundy Leaves Castleton State College
Stan Van Gundy's time as head coach at Castleton State College ended in 1986.
1987: Van Gundy Becomes Assistant Coach at Canisius College
Stan Van Gundy became an assistant coach at Canisius College in 1987.
1988: Van Gundy Becomes Assistant Coach at Fordham University
Stan Van Gundy became an assistant coach at Fordham University in 1988.
1995: Magic Win Division Championship
The Orlando Magic, under Stan Van Gundy, won their first division championship since the 1995-96 season.
2003: Van Gundy Becomes Head Coach of Miami Heat
Stan Van Gundy became the head coach of the Miami Heat in 2003.
2004: Heat Reach Second Round of Playoffs
Stan Van Gundy led the Miami Heat to the second round of the 2004 NBA playoffs.
December 12, 2005: Van Gundy Resigns from Heat
On December 12, 2005, Stan Van Gundy resigned from his position as head coach of the Miami Heat.
2005: Van Gundy Resigns from Heat
Stan Van Gundy resigned from his position as head coach of the Miami Heat mid-season in 2005.
May 2007: Van Gundy Receives Offer from Pacers
Stan Van Gundy received an offer to coach the Indiana Pacers in May 2007, but declined.
June 5, 2007: Van Gundy Officially Hired by Magic
On June 5, 2007, the Orlando Magic officially hired Stan Van Gundy as head coach.
2007: Van Gundy Hired by Orlando Magic
Stan Van Gundy was hired as the head coach of the Orlando Magic in 2007.
2008: Van Gundy and O'Neal Feud
During the 2008-09 season, a feud developed between Stan Van Gundy and Shaquille O'Neal.
2008: Magic Achieve Second-Most Wins in Franchise History
During the 2008-09 season, the Orlando Magic achieved the second-most wins in franchise history under Stan Van Gundy.
2008: Heat and Magic Trade Draft Picks
The Miami Heat and Orlando Magic exchanged draft picks in 2008 as part of the agreement allowing Van Gundy to coach the Magic.
2009: Magic Reach NBA Finals
Stan Van Gundy led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009.
2009: Analyst During 2009 NBA Finals
While coaching the Orlando Magic, Stan Van Gundy's brother, Jeff Van Gundy, served as an analyst during the 2009 NBA Finals.
January 31, 2010: Van Gundy Coaches Eastern Conference All-Stars
On January 31, 2010, Stan Van Gundy was named the coach of the Eastern Conference All-Star team.
May 21, 2012: Van Gundy Fired from Magic
Stan Van Gundy was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Orlando Magic on May 21, 2012.
August 2012: Dwight Howard Traded to Lakers
Dwight Howard was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in August 2012 after requesting a trade from the Orlando Magic.
2012: Van Gundy Fired by Magic
Stan Van Gundy was fired from his position as head coach of the Orlando Magic in 2012.
May 14, 2014: Van Gundy Hired by Pistons
Stan Van Gundy was hired as the head coach and president of basketball operations of the Detroit Pistons on May 14, 2014.
2014: Van Gundy Joins Detroit Pistons
In 2014, Stan Van Gundy was hired as the head coach and president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons.
February 9, 2015: Van Gundy Reaches 400 Wins
On February 9, 2015, Stan Van Gundy became the 43rd coach in NBA history to win 400 games.
2016: Pistons Reach Playoffs
Stan Van Gundy led the Detroit Pistons to a playoff berth in 2016.
May 7, 2018: Van Gundy Leaves Pistons
On May 7, 2018, the Detroit Pistons announced that Stan Van Gundy was released from his duties.
September 2018: Returned to Broadcasting with ESPN
In September 2018, Stan Van Gundy returned to broadcasting as an analyst with ESPN, contributing to shows like "SVG Wednesday on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz".
2018: Van Gundy Leaves Pistons
Stan Van Gundy was released from his duties as head coach and president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons in 2018.
2019: Joined Turner Sports
Stan Van Gundy left ESPN in 2019 to work for Turner Sports.
October 22, 2020: Hired as Head Coach of the New Orleans Pelicans
On October 22, 2020, Stan Van Gundy was hired as the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, succeeding Alvin Gentry.
2020: Political Endorsement
In 2020, Stan Van Gundy publicly endorsed Joe Biden for president and criticized Donald Trump.
June 16, 2021: Parted Ways with the New Orleans Pelicans
Stan Van Gundy and the New Orleans Pelicans parted ways on June 16, 2021.
August 2023: Wife's Death
Stan Van Gundy's wife, Kim, passed away unexpectedly in August 2023 after 25 years of marriage. It was later revealed she died by suicide.