Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach George Karl has signed a two-year contract extension through the 2003-04 season, General Manager Ernie Grunfeld announced today. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"George is one of the best coaches in the game, and this extension ensures that we will continue to have his leadership on our sideline for the next several seasons," Grunfeld said. "He's innovative, he's a great motivator and he has a genuine passion for basketball. Those qualities make him a great fit for this team and this city."
The Bucks clinched their third straight playoff berth under Karl on Sunday and are leading the Central Division by four games. With a record of 44-26, the Bucks are on pace to post their best record since the 1985-86 season.
"George's leadership and his passion for winning have had a very positive effect on the Milwaukee Bucks and on the entire community," said Sen. Herb Kohl, team president. "His basketball knowledge and his competitive spirit have helped restore our winning tradition. At the same time, his work ethic, his accessibility and his genuine love for the game have endeared him to our fans."
Karl, hired as the seventh head coach in Bucks history on August 29, 1998, has amassed a 114-88 record in three seasons in Milwaukee. He is among the most successful coaches in NBA history, having compiled an all-time record of 617-414 in 14 NBA seasons. His win total ranks 17th in NBA history and his winning percentage of .599 is sixth among the 21 coaches that have won 500 or more NBA games.
"Being sought out by the Milwaukee Bucks has been one of my life's blessings," Karl said. "We have a terrific basketball environment for success in this league. I have a great relationship with the Senator and with Ernie, who both want to win as much as I do. We have a first-rate coaching staff, and a cohesive team that continues to improve and respond to challenges.
"Our fans have responded big time this year, and I don't think I could ask for any more than the treatment I've received, personally or professionally, since arriving in Milwaukee."
On January 31, Karl became the sixth fastest NBA coach to reach 600 wins when the Bucks posted a 116-111 win over the Denver Nuggets. On Feb. 14, he won his 100th game as Bucks coach, reaching that milestone faster than any previous coach in Bucks history.
