DENVER, March 8, 2011 – The Nuggets and head coach George Karl have agreed to a multiyear contract extension, the team announced today.
Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“I’ve always said Denver is the place I want to end my career,” Karl said. “This puts me one step closer to achieving that goal. Masai Ujiri and Josh Kroenke were very professional throughout these negotiations.
“The Kroenkes have been great throughout this entire process. They’ve been very supportive of me as a coach and during my battle with cancer. I’m excited for the remainder of the season and look forward to making another playoff run.”
Since taking over as Nuggets coach on Jan. 27, 2005, Karl has guided Denver to the playoffs in each of the past six years, including a trip to the 2009 Western Conference finals. The Nuggets also have posted three consecutive 50-win seasons, which marks the most successful three-year stretch in franchise history.
“Extending George’s contract has been one of our top priorities,” Nuggets Vice President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri said. “He’s done a tremendous job since arriving in Denver, and particularly with the unique challenges of this season. With George on the bench, we have a bright future and everyone here is focused on finishing the season strong.”
On Dec. 10, Karl became the seventh coach in NBA history to win 1,000 regular-season games, joining Don Nelson (1,335), Lenny Wilkens (1,332), Pat Riley (1,210), Jerry Sloan (1,221), Phil Jackson (1,143) and Larry Brown (1,098).
Now in his 23rd season as an NBA head coach, Karl has taken his teams to the playoffs 19 times, and he has not had a losing season since 1987-88. His 315 victories with the Nuggets rank second in franchise history to Doug Moe (432), while his .613 winning percentage is unmatched.
“George’s record speaks for itself,” Ujiri said. “We’re lucky to have one of the most successful coaches in NBA history to lead our team.”
Overall, Karl has as a career regular-season record of 1,023-698 with Cleveland, Golden State, Seattle, Milwaukee and Denver.
Source: NBA
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