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The Miami HEAT announced today that they have named Ron Rothstein an assistant coach. Rothstein returns to the organization after a year as an assistant coach with the Indiana Pacers.

“We’re excited to have Ron join our staff,” said HEAT Head Coach Stan Van Gundy. “He brings a wealth of experience to the team, as he has worked under some of the league’s best coaches.”

Rothstein’s ties to the HEAT organization are deep-rooted. He was named Head Coach of the club on July 12, 1988 and guided the HEAT through its start-up and first three seasons, increasing the team’s victory total each year. He also served as General Manager and Head Coach of the WNBA’s Miami SOL during its three-year history.

Following his tenure as HEAT Head Coach, Rothstein spent two seasons with the Detroit Pistons, first as color commentator for radio and television broadcasts and a Western Conference scout, then as the club’s Head Coach for the 1992-93 season. In 1993, Rothstein became an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers under current HEAT TV analyst Mike Fratello, where he spent six seasons before making his return to South Florida with the SOL.

Rothstein began his career in the NBA in 1979 as the Northeastern regional scout for the Atlanta Hawks. In 1982, he moved to a similar position with the New York Knicks before becoming an assistant coach with the Hawks in 1983. After spending three seasons on the Hawks bench, Rothstein joined the Pistons coaching staff as an assistant in the summer of 1986.

Prior to breaking into the pro ranks, Rothstein enjoyed a successful coaching career at the college and high school level. He served as an assistant coach at Upsala College in New Jersey from 1974-75 and was selected as the Westchester County Coach of the Year in 1979 while at Eastchester High School in New York.