Three weeks into the 1981-82 NBA season, the Lakers made a midseason coaching change, promoting assistant coach Pat Riley to lead a team that was just 18 months removed from winning an NBA title.
In the 40-plus years since taking over the Lakers, Riley has cemented himself as one of the most influential figures in NBA history due to his impact on multiple franchises.
After orchestrating LA's dynasty in the 1980s, Riley moved on to New York, where he led the Knicks to the NBA Finals in 1994. For the past 28 years, he's held the title of Heat team president, a tenure that has included three NBA titles.
Riley's appearance and presence have earned him the moniker of "The Godfather." His influence is evident in an ever-growing coaching tree, with his disciples leading multiple franchises throughout the league.
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Pat Riley coaching tree
Erik Spoelstra
- Experience: Heat, 2008-Present
- Accolades: Two-time NBA champion (2012, 2013), 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA History
Spoelstra wasn't hired by Riley, but his first year as the Heat's video coordinator came in 1995, coinciding with Riley's first season on the sideline in Miami.
He quickly rose up the ranks, getting a promotion to assistant coach in 1997, a position in which he worked under Riley and Stan Van Gundy. When Riley stepped down in 2008, Spoelstra was selected as his successor. He went on to win back-to-back NBA titles in 2012 and 2013.
Spoelstra is the NBA's second longest-tenured head coach behind San Antonio's Gregg Popovich.
Juwan Howard — Michigan's head coach spent six seasons as an assistant coach under Spoelstra in Miami.
David Fizdale — Spent eight seasons with Spoelstra in Miami before getting his first head coaching job with the Grizzlies in 2016.
Doc Rivers
- Experience: Magic, 1999-2003; Celtics, 2004-2013; Clippers, 2013-2020; 76ers, 2020-Present
- Accolades: Coach of the Year (2000), 2008 NBA champion, 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA history
He was never Riley's assistant, but Rivers spent two seasons playing for Riley as a member of the Knicks. Ahead of a 2022 playoff series against Riley's Heat, Rivers let it be known that he has had the biggest impact on his coaching career.
“I had no thoughts of coaching until I played for Pat Riley and the way he did it," Rivers said. "He was the one who, when I did TV for three years, every day he would call me or challenge me. When are you gonna get in the fray?"
Riley's influence is still evident in Rivers' style. Ahead of the 2022-23 season, Rivers had the 76ers travel to Charleston, S.C. for training camp, something Riley had the Knicks do in the 1990s.
Jeff Van Gundy
- Experience: Knicks, 1995-2002; Rockets, 2003-07
- Accolades: 1999 NBA Finals appearance
Van Gundy was hired as a Knicks assistant coach in 1989, two seasons before Riley would become the lead man in New York. After Riley took over in 1991, Van Gundy spent four seasons as his assistant coach, a span highlighted by a trip to the 1994 NBA Finals where the Knicks fell one win shy of a title.
When Riley moved on in 1995, Don Nelson was appointed as the franchise's next head coach. His tenure only lasted one season, with Van Gundy taking over in 1996. Van Gundy went 3-1 against Riley in the playoffs and orchestrated an impressive run to the 1999 NBA Finals as a No. 8 seed.
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After five seasons in New York, Van Gundy coached the Rockets for four seasons. He has not coached in the NBA since 2007 but did coach Team USA at the 2017 FIBA AmeriCup. Van Gundy also has a few branches from his own tree:
Tom Thibodeau — Assistant under Van Gundy in New York and Houston; hired to first NBA head coaching job by the Bulls in 2010.
Steve Clifford — Assistant under Jeff Van Gundy in New York and Houston, assistant under Stan Van Gundy in Orlando; hired to first NBA head coaching job by the Bobcats in 2013.
Stan Van Gundy
- Experience: Heat, 2003-05; Magic 2007-2012; Pistons, 2014-18, Pelicans, 2020-21
- Accolades: 2009 NBA Finals appearance
Riley was unable to bring Jeff Van Gundy to Miami with him and instead opted to hire his brother, Stan Van Gundy, as his assistant coach. Van Gundy served as Riley's assistant in Miami before being promoted to head coach before the 2003-04 season.
Van Gundy led Miami for two full seasons before resigning during the 2005-06 season, making way for Riley to step back into a head coaching role and led the Heat to an NBA title. Van Gundy also made head coaching stops in Orlando, Detroit and New Orleans.
Byron Scott
- Experience: Nets, 2000-04, Hornets 2004-09; Cavaliers, 2010-13; Lakers, 2014-16
- Accolades: Coach of the Year (2008), Two NBA Finals appearances (2002, 2003)
Like Rivers, Scott's connection with Riley comes from his playing days. Scott spent seven seasons playing for Riley, winning three NBA titles.
After retiring from playing in 1998, Scott spent two seasons as an assistant before getting his first head coaching job with the Nets in 2000. Scott spent over 10 seasons on NBA sidelines. Things came full circle in 2014 when he was hired as the Lakers head coach, a role he held for two seasons.
