Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 15th October 2025, 9:57 AM
Erik Spoelstra, head coach of the Miami Heat, has been appointed as head coach of the US men’s national basketball team through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, USA Basketball announced on Tuesday.
American teams of NBA stars have dominated the Olympics, winning the last five gold medals, and 17 Olympic titles in total. The US men’s team has also captured five FIBA World Cup titles.
Spoelstra’s appointment was made by US men’s national team director Grant Hill and approved by USA Basketball’s board of directors. Final confirmation is still required from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
“It’s an incredible honour,” Spoelstra said.
“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.”
Spoelstra, 54, brings extensive international and NBA experience:
| Coaching Milestones | Year/Details |
| Assistant, US Olympic Team | 2024 Paris Olympics (gold medal) |
| Assistant, US World Cup Team | 2023 FIBA World Cup (finished fourth) |
| US Select Squad Coach | 2021, trained alongside Olympic squad |
| NBA Assistant Coach | Miami Heat, 2006 NBA Championship |
| NBA Head Coach | Miami Heat, 2012 & 2013 NBA Championships |
He has played and coached in Germany and joined Miami in 1995 as a video coordinator, eventually rising through the ranks to head coach.
Next week marks Spoelstra’s 18th season as head coach of the Heat, making him the longest-tenured NBA coach with a single team.
Spoelstra will lead the US men’s team at:
Grant Hill praised Spoelstra: “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.”
USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley added:”Erik Spoelstra is one of the most widely respected head coaches around the game. As the longest-tenured coach with one team, along with his involvement with USA Basketball over the past several years, he’s well positioned to lead the USA men’s national team.”
Spoelstra’s experience, longevity, and success at both NBA and international levels position him as a key figure in continuing the USA men’s basketball dominance on the world stage through 2028.
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