Erik Spoelstra Likely to Become Next USA Basketball Coach

Miami, FL – USA Basketball is expected to hire Erik Spoelstra as the next head coach of the men’s national basketball team, sources told ESPN on Thursday. Spoelstra will succeed Steve Kerr for the 2027 World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Spoelstra previously served as a lead assistant on Team USA’s gold medal squad during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the team defeated France 98-87 in the final. This appointment marks the fourth consecutive Olympics with a different coach for Team USA, following Mike Krzyzewski, Gregg Popovich, and Kerr.

Grant Hill, managing director of USA Basketball, made the decision to proceed with Spoelstra, establishing a consistent internal structure for the coaching staff. Hill noted that Kerr was previously a top assistant under Popovich before taking over as head coach.

Erik Spoelstra, a two-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat, is the longest-tenured active head coach in the league. He has led the Heat to six NBA Finals appearances and ranks fifth on the all-time playoff wins list.

The deal to officially finalize Spoelstra’s appointment is still in the works. However, sources indicate it is likely to happen soon as discussions progress.

As Team USA looks ahead to future international competitions, the leadership under Spoelstra aims to continue the country’s dominance in basketball.