Dwyane Wade explains how Erik Spoelstra stayed Heat coach through rocky seasons: "Pat let us know Spo ain't going nowhere"

Being an NBA head coach is a thankless job. While the money is certainly nothing to scoff at, there's a lot of pressure to deliver positive results as soon as possible or risk being given the pink slip. That said, it's impressive that Erik Spoelstra has remained the Miami Heat's head coach for almost 20 years, despite enduring several dismal campaigns.

According to former Heat superstar Dwyane Wade, while Spo undoubtedly has the coaching chops and savvy to handle the demands of such a high-profile position, having the support of the highest levels of the front office doesn't hurt either.

Wade relayed how clear this was during the "Big 3's" first season in Miami, when the Heat limped off to a 9-8 record despite having three of the best players in the league: Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

Patience is key

Wade explained that a coach's tenure at the top largely depends on the amount of patience the franchise's shot-callers have and the direction they're moving in.

"Are you a part of an organization that's patient or are you part of a win-now organization? Like, it just depends. It's not one way to cut this. You get some people who have the time and the space," Wade shared. "Like, Spo ain't getting fired. He ain't. We've been doing this since he sat in that seat, right?"

After spending time as an assistant coach and scout with the Heat since 1997, Spoelstra was promoted to head coach in 2008. However, his seat got hotter in 2010 when the Heat added LeBron and Bosh, forming a triumvirate of the three best players in the league. So, when the Heat struggled to a 9-8 start, many began calling for Spo's head and Pat Riley to return as head coach.

Wade, though, disclosed that Spo wasn't going anywhere, no matter what the fans were saying.

"For the most part. I'm sure it was a little rocky time where the fans were like, 'We want Pat,'" Wade stated. "Like, 'No, y'all don't. We love Pat, but we ain't want him at that time.' But fans had a different version at some point because we didn't get off to the start that they wanted. But inside the organization, we knew. Pat let us know Spo ain't going nowhere."

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It takes time for coaches to establish themselves

As a minority owner of the Utah Jazz, Wade has gained a deeper understanding of the NBA's business side. He knows firsthand the pressure and scrutiny that come with being a head coach, and how much time is needed for a young coach to establish his voice within a team — a reality that isn't afforded to all head coaches in the Association today.

"Some people don't have that time. That clock has started as soon as they shake that hand and get that job. The clock has started. And so it really depends on the organization and what you're willing to do," Wade clarified.

As a minority owner, Wade participated in the coaching search that ended with 37-year-old Will Hardy getting the nod to be head coach. He understood that with the Jazz still trying to get its legs under it, giving Hardy the time he needs to mold the team in his vision is crucial.

"If you're bringing those guys in and you're bringing them into an organization that is rebuilding, rebranding, repositioning itself, they need time. Because if not, it's a waste," he shared. "You can look at it like, 'Oh, it's a good experience for those guys.' But you can't bring those guys in and give them three years with an organization that's trying to find a new identity. You know what I mean? Like, you need at least seven."

Being an NBA coach is a lot like being caught between a rock and a hard place. When a team achieves success, the players often get the credit. When a team struggles, it's the coach who takes the heat. It is for that reason that a franchise's front office needs to show a coach its support, something that Spo undeniably received from the most powerful man in the Heat's organization.

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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Nov 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.