Doc Rivers Contract 2014: Coach, President Signs Extension With Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers coach and president of basketball operations Doc Rivers signed a new deal that would keep the champion mentor at helm until after the 2018-19 NBA season, the team announced on Wednesday.
The deal will be applicable for both positions, which means that Rivers, who moved from Boston Celtics to Clippers before the start of last season, will have full control on personnel decisions and build a team that fits his system.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed as per team policy, but Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported, citing league sources, that Rivers signed a five-year, $50 million deal.
New Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said in a statement that signing Rivers to a long-term deal is one of the first steps that they need to take to reach their goal of winning a title in the near future.
Ballmer, who acquired the franchise from disgraced former owner Donald Sterling via a record-setting $2 billion sale this offseason, recently said that the Clippers will play "hardcore" basketball, and the former Microsoft CEO is convinced that Rivers is the one who can instill that attitude to the squad moving forward.
"I am excited to work with Doc for a long time as we build a championship culture that will deliver results both on and off the court," Ballmer said in a statement on Wednesday. "Not only is Doc one of the best coaches and executives in the game, but he continually embodies the hard core, committed and resilient character and winning culture that the Clippers represent."
Rivers, who originally signed a three-year deal worth $21 million before the 2013-14 NBA season, led the Clippers to a 57-25 regular-season record to win the Pacific Division title, but they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs in seven games.
"Steve has shown a clear and determined desire to make the Clippers one of the most elite, first-class and championship organizations in all of professional sports," Rivers said. "We know we have work to do to get there, but I am motivated by the challenge and thankful for the opportunity to stand together with Steve as we continue to move toward our goal of winning an NBA title."
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