Assistant Coach and Staff Records Incomplete

Early Coaching Career

Pat Riley's coaching career began as an assistant with the Lakers. Under head coach Jack McKinney, Riley played a crucial role in the team's success. After McKinney's injury, Riley took over as head coach, leading the Lakers to multiple championships.

Westhead's Assistant

In the 1979-80 season, Riley joined Paul Westhead's coaching staff. The duo led the Lakers to a championship in 1980.

Broadcasting and Return to Coaching

After a brief stint as a broadcaster, Riley returned to coaching as Westhead's assistant. In the HBO series "Winning Time," Riley's early coaching years are portrayed, including his hiring as an assistant coach.

Conclusion

While Pat Riley's coaching record is well-documented, his earlier years as an assistant coach may not be fully accounted for. The lack of complete records highlights the challenges of preserving accurate historical information, particularly in the early stages of a successful career.