Mike Longabardi
Michael Longabardi | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 23, 1973 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Basketball coach |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Known for | Assistant coach for multiple NBA teams; Head coach of Delaware Blue Coats |
Michael Longabardi (born February 23, 1973) is an American basketball coach currently serving as an assistant for the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and leading the Delaware Blue Coats in the NBA G League as head coach. Throughout his career, he has held assistant coaching positions with several NBA teams including the Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks, earning NBA Finals titles with both the Celtics and Cavaliers.
Early life and college career
Originating from Brooklyn, New York, Longabardi attended Xaverian High School. He played collegiate basketball at Newberry College, where he was dubbed "Mr. Defense," before transferring to Frostburg State University. He completed his undergraduate studies there, obtaining a bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education.
College coaching career
Longabardi's coaching journey began as an assistant head coach at Pfeiffer University. He later moved to Adelphi University, contributing to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship in 1998 and 1999. In 2000, he joined the staff at Lafayette College as an assistant coach, playing a role in securing a Patriot League Championship and an NCAA Tournament spot. Subsequently, he took on an assistant coaching role at Towson University starting in 2002.
Houston Rockets
In 2001, Longabardi coached the NACEL Open Door College All-Star Team alongside Bill Van Gundy. When Jeff Van Gundy was appointed head coach of the Houston Rockets in 2003, Longabardi became part of the organization, initially working as assistant video coordinator before advancing to lead video coordinator the next year.
Boston Celtics
Longabardi joined the Boston Celtics coaching staff in 2007 under head coaches Doc Rivers and Tom Thibodeau. During his inaugural season with Boston, the team secured the NBA Championship against the Los Angeles Lakers with a series score of 4–2. By 2009, he had been elevated to the position of full-time defensive coordinator.
Phoenix Suns
On June 25, 2013, Longabardi was appointed assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns under head coach Jeff Hornacek. In his debut season with Phoenix, the team improved their record significantly from 25–57 to 48–34.
Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2016, Longabardi joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as defensive coordinator working under head coach Tyronn Lue. That same year, the Cavaliers captured the NBA Championship.
Washington Wizards
Longabardi was named an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards on August 1, 2019], serving under head coach Scott Brooks.
Sacramento Kings
On August 16, 2021, he was hired by the Sacramento Kings to serve as an assistant coach.
Atlanta Hawks
Longabardi became part of the coaching staff for the Atlanta Hawks as an assistant on July 8, 2022.
Philadelphia 76ers / Delaware Blue Coats
Most recently, on September 5, 2023, Longabardi assumed dual roles as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers and head coach of their G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats.