Doc Rivers signs five-year contract extension

Clippers sign Doc Rivers to contract extension

Doc Rivers (left) and Steve Ballmer/Staff photo by David Crane

 

The Clippers on Wednesday announced that Doc Rivers, head coach and president of basketball operations, has signed a five-year contract extension through the 2018-19 season.

“This is an important day for this organization,” Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said. “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.
“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. It was one of my top priorities to ensure that he was firmly in place as the long-term leader of this team.”

Rivers, who in 2013-14 led the Clippers to a franchise-record 57 victories in his first season at the helm, has been impressed with the energy brought by Ballmer, who recently purchased the team from Shelly Sterling after her husband Donald lost control of the team following his highly publicized racist comments.

“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.”

Rivers is entering his 16th season as a head coach, having previously held that position with the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics. Rivers, 52, is one of three active coaches – Gregg Popovich (Spurs) and Flip Saunders (Timberwolves) with at least 600 victories. Rivers has 644.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.