Who Is Pat Riley? Age, Biography and Wiki
Pat Riley, born on March 20, 1945, is an iconic American basketball player, coach, and executive, widely recognized for his contributions to the NBA. As of 2025, Pat Riley is 80 years old. He played as a guard for the San Diego Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Phoenix Suns, but his legacy is defined more by his coaching and executive skills. With a coaching career that boasts numerous championships, Riley remains a respected figure in basketball circles.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 20, 1945 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Rome, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Pat Riley's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Pat Riley stands tall at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm). Throughout his playing career, he maintained a fit physique, weighing around 200 pounds (91 kg). Even in his later years, Riley is known for his elegant demeanor and well-kept appearance, a trademark of his public persona.
Citing hip and knee problems, Riley took a leave of absence from coaching from January 3, 2007, through February 19, 2007. Assistant coach Ron Rothstein assumed interim duties.
The Heat finished the season 44–38 and were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Chicago Bulls, the first defending champions swept in the first round since the Philadelphia Warriors in 1957. The following season, the Heat finished 15–67.
The team had lost several of its players to extended injuries, and a disgruntled Shaquille O'Neal was traded mid-season. Two years after winning the championship, they finished with one of the worst seasons in NBA history.
It also tied the Heat's inaugural season of 1988–89 as the worst in franchise history, and was easily the worst full-season record compiled by a Riley-coached team.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Though Pat Riley has always kept a relatively low profile when it comes to his personal life, he has been married to Chris, his longtime wife, since 1970. Together, they have three children: a son, and two daughters, who have grown into successful adults in their respective fields. While Riley does not publicly discuss his private relationships, he is known to be a devoted family man.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Pat Riley's estimated net worth is $120 million. His wealth comes from decades of successful coaching, executive roles, endorsements, and investments in various businesses, including real estate and sports-related ventures. Riley's annual salary as an executive for the Miami Heat is rumored to be in the range of $10 million.
Career, Business and Investments
Pat Riley’s career in the NBA spans several decades, during which he has won a total of five NBA championships as a coach and has been selected for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. After his playing career, he became the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, where he led the team to glory during the Showtime era, before coaching the New York Knicks and eventually taking charge of the Miami Heat.
In addition to his coaching career, Riley has also made significant investments in real estate and has been involved in various business ventures, solidifying his reputation not just as a coach, but also as a savvy businessman.
Often referred to as "the Godfather", Riley is regarded as one of the greatest NBA figures of all time both as a coach and executive. He has won five NBA championships as a head coach, four with the Los Angeles Lakers during their Showtime era in the 1980s and one with the Heat in 2006.
Riley is a nine-time NBA champion across his tenures as a player (1972), assistant coach (1980), head coach (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2006), and executive (2012, 2013). He is the first North American sports figure to win a championship as a player, as an assistant coach, as a head coach, and as an executive.
Since the start of his NBA career through 2023, Riley has reached 19 NBA finals across seven different decades, making 25 percent of all NBA Finals as a player, coach, or executive.
Social Network
Pat Riley remains influential in the basketball community, often engaging with fans and sharing insights on his career through various social media platforms. He is active on Twitter and Instagram, where he shares memorable moments from his career, updates about the Miami Heat, and personal reflections on the game. His presence on social media helps maintain his legacy and connect with fans both old and new.
One of Riley's most famous moments came when he guaranteed the crowd a repeat championship during the Lakers' championship parade in downtown Los Angeles (he first made the guarantee during the post-victory locker room celebration).
While the 1988 Lakers did not produce as many wins in the regular season as the 1987 Lakers, they still won the NBA title, becoming the first team in 19 years to repeat as champions. The Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons in seven games in the 1988 NBA Finals, making good on Riley's promise.
Riley's titles with the Lakers make him one of six men to play for an NBA Championship team and later coach the same NBA team to a championship; the others are George Senesky, Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn, K. C. Jones and Billy Cunningham.
Education
Pat Riley attended the University of Kentucky, where he not only played basketball but also earned a degree in business. His time at Kentucky laid the foundation for his future in professional basketball and helped shape his approach to coaching and team management. Riley's education has played a pivotal role in his understanding of the game, making him one of the most successful figures in NBA history.
In conclusion, Pat Riley, at 80 years old, continues to inspire countless players and fans alike. His journey through basketball, both on and off the court, showcases a life dedicated to excellence and passion for the game. Whether through his family life, business ventures, or social media presence, Riley remains a significant part of the sports world in 2025 and beyond.
Riley played basketball for Linton High School in Schenectady under head coach Walt Przybylo and assistants Bill Rapavy and Ed Catino.
Linton High School's 74–68 victory over New York City's Power Memorial on December 29, 1961, is remembered mostly for its two stars: Power Memorial's Lew Alcindor (who later changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Riley, who would go on to coach Abdul-Jabbar with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In 1991, Riley called it "one of the greatest games in the history of Schenectady basketball."
