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Coach Erik Spoelstra making way toward becoming "Miami Heat Lifer"

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says he can't imagine working for another NBA organization
Coach Erik Spoelstra making way toward becoming "Miami Heat Lifer"
Coach Erik Spoelstra making way toward becoming "Miami Heat Lifer"

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra finds it hard to picture himself working for another NBA organization.

Spoelstra has always called the Heat his "home' and reiterated that in a recent interview with SiriusXM’s NBA Radio. It was the second time he spoke with the media during the week after being silent during the league's 30-day coronavirus suspension.

Spoelstra said a work environment that includes team owner Micky Arison and president Pat Riley makes it difficult to fathom working elsewhere.

“Micky and Pat created this culture,” Spoelstra said. “Some people might think they need to venture out on their own to create their own image. I do not have any of those kind of feelings. I feel a sense of purpose by carrying this culture on and this legacy to future teams. It’s what I enjoy. It’s what fills my cup up. I want to keep this going as long as I can. It doesn’t feel like a job.”

Spoelstra, 49, has been with the organization since 1995. After starting as a video coordinator, the Heat took a chance on him as head coach in 2008. Spoelstra has since compiled a 564-387 record and won two championships. Success isn't necessarily the reason he wants to remain within the organization. His surroundings are an even bigger factor. 

Management has shown its support for Spoelstra even during down times. He never faced questions about his job security when the Heat missed the playoffs three of the last five seasons before qualifying this year. 

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Shandel Richardson
SHANDEL RICHARDSON

Shandel has covered the NBA since 2010, with previous stops at The Athletic and South Florida Sun-Sentinel. He has covered six NBA Finals, one Super Bowl, the NCAA basketball tournament. He has also been a beat writer for the Miami Hurricanes and contributed on every major beat in South Florida since 2003, including the Miami Dolphins and Miami Marlins. He can also be read in the Sportsbook Review for gambling coverage from around the NBA. A native of Bloomington, Illinois, Shandel attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He's also worked for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Kansas City Star. TWITTER: @ShandelRich EMAIL: shandelrich@gmail.com You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here Follow all of our Miami Heat coverage on Facebook here