Just over 10 years ago, it was announced that Erik Spoelstra would be the next head coach of the Miami Heat.
Spoelstra, who started his career in Miami as a video coordinator in the 1990’s, had some very big shoes to fill. Shoes that were undoubtedly made from the finest Italian leather.
Yes, I’m talking about the shoes of legendary NBA Coach, Pat Riley.
Riley, affectionately referred to by Heat fans as “The Godfather,” was stepping down as head coach and taking his talents to the front office, to serve as team president.
In the offseason following that move, the organization decided that Spoelstra was going to be the next head coach of the team.