He worked his way up from the bottom of the coaching ladder
Fizdale is a true coaching underdog. He was a solid mid-major guard at the University of San Diego, but never had a playing career beyond college. Without the name recognition of a big-time player or a coaching pedigree to fall back on, Fizdale’s career in coaching began at ground zero.
Fizdale started as a video intern for the Miami Heat shortly after his playing career ended in 1997. He then spent six years on the collegiate level at San Diego and Fresno State before getting his first full-time NBA gig as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors in 2003. Fizdale spent one season in Oakland, then four seasons as an assistant with the Hawks before landing his breakthrough gig as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat in 2008. It was during his time in Miami, when Fizdale earned his reputation as a hard worker and a player’s coach.
