Jeff Van Gundy, renowned for his basketball acumen, has agreed to join Ty Lue’s coaching staff with the LA Clippers as the lead assistant, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The move marks Van Gundy’s return to coaching on a full-time basis after spending 16 years as a television analyst for ESPN. His decision to join the Clippers was influenced by his longstanding relationship with Lue and the franchise’s admiration for his coaching pedigree.
At 62 years old, Van Gundy brings a wealth of coaching experience, having previously coached the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets for a combined 11-plus seasons. He boasts a coaching record of 430-318 (.575) in the regular season and 44-44 in the playoffs, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 1999 with the Knicks.
Van Gundy’s partnership with Lue dates back to their time together on the USA Basketball coaching staff, where they forged a strong bond. Lue, having been coached by Van Gundy during his playing career with the Houston Rockets in 2004, actively pursued him to join the Clippers.
Despite turning down coaching offers during his broadcasting tenure, Van Gundy remained involved in coaching and scouting through roles with USA Basketball.
Last summer, Van Gundy briefly stepped away from broadcasting to take a role with the Boston Celtics under president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. However, the opportunity to reunite with Lue and contribute to the Clippers’ coaching staff was compelling enough for Van Gundy to make a return to the NBA sidelines.