OAKLAND, Calif., July 26 (UPI) -- Acting on recommendations from Chuck Daly and Doc Rivers, the Golden State Warriors announced Friday they had made Eric Musselman the youngest coach in the NBA.
Terms were not disclosed, but the 37-year-old Musselman reportedly received a three-year deal worth between $4.5 million and $5 million.
An assistant with the Atlanta Hawks for the last two seasons, Musselman will take over a team that has stockpiled young talent in the last two drafts, including top-five selections Jason Richardson and Mike Dunleavy Jr.
"Philosophically, with all the young guys this organization has added the last two years, it's a really exciting place to coach, especially for someone getting his first opportunity," Musselman said.
Warriors general manager Garry St. Jean opted to give Musselman the opportunity after waiting three months to decide the fate of interim coach Brian Winters, who went 13-46 after replacing Dave Cowens last December.
"When I went through the interview process, I heard positive recommendations for Eric from coaches like Chuck Daly, Hubie Brown, Doc Rivers and Flip Saunders," St. Jean said. "They all said to me, `You've got to talk to him, he'll make a big impression on you,' and he did. We couldn't be happier to have him to run our team."
In its search for a coach, the team interviewed New Jersey Nets Eddie Jordan, among others.
Mike Dunleavy Sr., whose son, Mike, was selected third overall by the Warriors in the June draft, held discussions with St. Jean but withdrew his name from consideration last week.
The Warriors finished 21-61 last season and have not made the playoffs or had a winning record since 1994. Musselman becomes the team's eighth coach in slightly more than seven seasons since owner Chris Cohan gained control of the franchise.
The son of former NBA coach Bill Musselman, Eric Musselman worked as an assistant with Atlanta, the Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves and paid his dues in the CBA, coaching there for seven years and compiling a 270-122 record.
Known for his intense coaching style similar to his father, Musselman helped 24 players eventually make the jump to the NBA.
His first stint as an NBA assistant came on his father's staff with Minnesota in the 1990-91 season. Bill Musselman died in 2001 while serving as an assistant for the Portland Trail Blazers.
