Heat extend Spoelstra, shake up front office

The Miami Heat did not waste any time in making sure they secure the services and of head coach Eric Spoelstra for the long term. The Heat and Spoelstra are finalizing the details of a multi-year that will keep the two-time NBA championship-winning coach with the franchise.

Miami’s “Big Three,” LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are all expected to opt out of their contracts at the end of the season. Spoelstra remaining with the team sets the stage for a very stable and proven winning environment. The 42-year-old Spoelstra, who is regarded as one of the most talented and respected coaches in the league, has accumulated a 260-134 (.660) winning record in his five seasons with Miami. It is the organization’s goal to retain their core and make a run at a few more championships down the road.

Aside from keeping Spoelstra, the Heat have also made some changes in the front office. They announced on Saturday that they are promoting Andy Eisburg to general manager and have hired former player Juwan Howard as an assistant coach for player development. Eisburg has been with the franchise since it began in 1988. Adam Simon has been promoted to assistant general manager; Dan Craig is now also assistant coach also for player development, the same as Howard.