Bill Fitch
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
205 lb (93 kg)
Born:
May 19, 1932
Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
Died:
February 2, 2022
Lake Conroe, Texas, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
Coe (1950–1954)
Bill Fitch was a no-nonsense coach who brought structure, discipline, and lasting success to every NBA franchise he led. Known as a master rebuilder, Fitch took over struggling teams and turned them into contenders. He began his NBA coaching career with the expansion Cleveland Cavaliers in 1970 and led them to the playoffs by 1976, winning Coach of the Year.
Fitch later took over the Boston Celtics in 1979, where he coached a young Larry Bird and guided the team to an NBA title in 1981. Over 25 seasons, Fitch racked up 944 wins—once the second-highest total in league history. He also led the Houston Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals and coached the New Jersey Nets and LA Clippers.
Known for his intense practices, dry humor, and player development, Fitch shaped multiple generations of stars. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019 for his lasting contributions to the game.
Fitch's Awards & Honors:
- NBA champion (1981)
- 2× NBA Coach of the Year Award (1976, 1980)
- NBA All-Star Game head coach (1982)
- Top 10 Coaches in NBA History
- Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)
NBA Records:
- One of the first coaches to win NBA Coach of the Year with two different franchises
- One of only a few head coaches to reach the NBA Finals with two different teams
- Coached in 2,050 regular season games and 109 playoff games
NBA Teams:
As a coach:
Cleveland Cavaliers (1970–1979)
Boston Celtics (1979–1983)
Houston Rockets (1983–1988)
New Jersey Nets (1989–1992)
Los Angeles Clippers (1994–1998)
NBA Stats:
Seasons Coached:
25 (1970–1998)
Career Record:
944–1,106
Win (%):
.460
Playoff Record:
55–54
NBA Championships:
1 (1981, Boston Celtics)
Coach of the Year:
2× (1976, 1980)