Patrick James Riley is an American professional basketball executive, former coach, and former player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has been the team president of the Miami Heat since 1995, and he also served as the team's head coach from 1995 to 2003 and again from 2005 to 2008. Often referred to as "The Godfather", Riley is regarded as one of the greatest NBA figures of all time both as a coach and executive. He has won five NBA championships as a head coach, four with the Los Angeles Lakers during their Showtime era in the 1980s and one with the Heat in 2006. Riley is a nine-time NBA champion across his tenures as a player (1972), assistant coach (1980), head coach, and executive. Since the start of his career in the NBA, Riley has appeared in 25 percent of all NBA Finals in history over his span as player, coach, and executive.
Riley in 2010
L-R: Riley, and Magic Johnson in 1989
Riley in 2007 during his second stint as the Heat's coach
Riley and the Miami Heat with President George W. Bush, February 2007
The Miami Heat are an American professional basketball team based in Miami. The Heat compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. The club plays its home games at Kaseya Center, and has won three NBA championships.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat during deep playoff runs in the early 2020s.
Miami Heat championship banners
Image: 20150902 Quest Multisport clinic Tim Hardaway (1)
Image: Alonzo Mourning (cropped)