The Miami Heat have expressed interest in hiring Sergio Scariolo as their next associate coach, according to Eurohoops Spain reporter Alex Molina.
The 64-year-old Italian tactician is set to interview with an NBA team in the United States, with the Heat believed to be the franchise involved.
Scariolo would join Miami’s staff under head coach Erik Spoelstra if the deal is finalized. This would mark a return to the NBA for Scariolo, who previously spent three seasons with the Toronto Raptors. He was part of the coaching team that won the 2019 NBA Championship with the Raptors.
During his time in Toronto, Scariolo served briefly as interim head coach in February 2021 when the Raptors’ coaching staff was sidelined due to health and safety protocols. After leaving the Raptors, he returned to Europe to coach Virtus Bologna in Italy.
While leading Virtus Bologna, Scariolo captured the 2022 EuroCup title and back-to-back Italian Supercups in 2021 and 2022. However, the team missed the EuroLeague playoffs and lost two consecutive national finals to Olimpia Milan. His tenure with Virtus ended in September 2023 following controversial remarks about the roster.
Despite the exit, Scariolo’s coaching résumé remains one of the most respected in European basketball. He holds multiple medals from FIBA competitions and is known for his tactical discipline.
Miami finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 37-45 record.
