Last Updated on January 4, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s detailed information about Pat Riley:

  • Full Name: Patrick James Riley
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: 79 (born March 20, 1945)
  • Hometown: Schenectady, New York
  • Height: 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters)
  • Weight: 205 pounds (93 kilograms)
  • Position: Guard / Forward (as a player), Head Coach / Executive (post-playing career)
  • High School: Linton High School, Schenectady, New York
  • College: University of Kentucky (Kentucky Wildcats) (1963–1967)
  • As a Player:
    • NBA Draft: 1967, 1st round, 7th overall pick by the San Diego Rockets
    • Teams Played For:
      1. San Diego Rockets (1967–1970)
      2. Los Angeles Lakers (1970–1975)
      3. Phoenix Suns (1975–1976)

      He retired as a player in 1976.

  • As a Coach:
    • Teams Coached:
      1. Los Angeles Lakers (1981–1990)
      2. New York Knicks (1991–1995)
      3. Miami Heat (1995–2003, 2005–2008)
    • Executive Role:
      • President of the Miami Heat (1995–present)
    • NBA Championships (as Coach): 5
      • Los Angeles Lakers: 4 titles (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
      • Miami Heat: 1 title (2006)
    • NBA Championships (as Executive): 2
      • Miami Heat: 2 titles (2012, 2013)
    • NBA Championships (as Player): 1
      • Los Angeles Lakers: 1 title (1972)
  • Coach of the Year: 3 times (1989–1990, 1992–1993, 1996–1997)
  • Known for popularizing “Showtime” basketball with the Lakers in the 1980s, an uptempo and flashy style of play.
  • Spouse: Married to Chris Rodstrom since 1970
  • Kids: 2 children (James Riley and Elisabeth Riley)
  • Siblings: 5 siblings, including Lee Riley, a former professional football player

Pat Riley is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches and executives in NBA history, with a remarkable impact both on and off the court.