Agrees to become lead assistant coach for Los Angeles Clippers under Tyronn Lue
Extensive basketball experience and knowledge made him an ideal candidate for the position
Jeff Van Gundy returns to NBA coaching after 16-year hiatus
Joined Boston Celtics as senior consultant after leaving ESPN, helped them win NBA championship this season
Van Gundy spent 11 seasons as a head coach in the NBA, leading New York Knicks and Houston Rockets to combined record of 430-318
Jeff Van Gundy, a renowned basketball coach and analyst, is returning to the NBA after a 16-year hiatus from coaching. He has agreed to become the lead assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers under Tyronn Lue.
Van Gundy's decision to return to coaching was influenced by his personal relationship with Lue, whom he coached on the Houston Rockets in 2004 and worked with on Team USA. The two have maintained a strong bond over the years.
The Clippers had been looking for a qualified assistant coach since Dan Craig left to join the Chicago Bulls. Van Gundy's extensive experience and knowledge of basketball made him an ideal candidate for the position.
Van Gundy spent 11 seasons as a head coach in the NBA, leading the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets to a combined record of 430-318. He took a break from coaching to join ESPN as a television analyst but was let go last year due to cost-cutting measures.
After his departure from ESPN, Van Gundy joined the Boston Celtics as a senior consultant, helping them win the NBA championship this season. His contributions were significant, and he is credited with being an essential weapon for the team during their title run.
The Clippers are looking to bounce back after a disappointing first-round exit in this year's playoffs. With Van Gundy on board, they hope to strengthen their coaching staff and improve their performance next season.
Jeff Van Gundy had been pursued for years to return to coaching on a full-time basis.
His relationship with Lue and the franchise’s fondness for Van Gundy played major parts in the Clippers’ ability to land him.
Van Gundy coached Lue for a season with the Houston Rockets in 2004.
During his time on television, Van Gundy turned down head-coaching opportunities in the NBA and college basketball but stayed active in coaching and scouting with several different roles in USA Basketball.
Jeff Van Gundy has joined Tyronn Lue’s coaching staff with the Los Angeles Clippers as lead assistant.
Van Gundy and Lue have been friends since they both worked together on USA Basketball’s staff several years ago.
This is Van Gundy’s first NBA coaching job since 2007.
He spent the previous 16 years coaching the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks, then took a broadcasting job with ESPN after being fired by the Rockets.
Van Gundy thrived at ESPN, combining wit and humor with his sharp intellect for the game.
He is considered one of the ‘finest minds in basketball’
Van Gundy spent last year as a senior consultant to Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens
The Celtics dominated the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night to become NBA champions
Less than 12 hours later, Van Gundy is back in the coaching game.
