MIAMI — Erik Spoelstra on Tuesday became the longest-tenured active head coach in the four major United States professional sports leagues when Mike Tomlin ended his 19-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, elevating the Miami Heat coach, who has led the team since 2008, to the top spot in coaching longevity.
Spoelstra acknowledged the milestone on Tuesday in Miami and said the development disappointed him because it followed Tomlin’s departure from the Steelers.
Spoelstra has served as head coach of the Miami Heat since April 2008 when the franchise promoted him from within its coaching staff.
Spoelstra led the Heat to multiple NBA Finals appearances and won NBA championships during his ongoing tenure with the franchise.
Spoelstra became the NBA head coach with the longest active tenure in 2025 after longtime San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich retired from coaching.
Spoelstra’s latest milestone came shortly after he recorded his 800th regular-season coaching victory when the Miami Heat edged the Milwaukee Bucks in an NBA game.
Tomlin’s 19-year run with the Steelers ended Tuesday when team and league officials confirmed his departure from the head coaching position.
Tomlin previously ranked as the longest-serving active head coach among the four major U.S. sports leagues before Spoelstra moved into the top position.
The four major U.S. professional sports leagues consist of the National Basketball Association, National Football League, Major League Baseball, and National Hockey League.