Spoelstra contract extended

Erik Spoelstra has been with the Miami Heat for nearly two decades, and their relationship won't be ending anytime soon.

Spoelstra has signed a multi-year extension to remain as coach of the two-time defending NBA champion Heat, the team said Sunday afternoon. The move comes one day after the Heat announced several other front-office moves, including promoting Andy Elisburg to general manager and hiring Juwan Howard as an assistant coach.

A person familiar with the talks between the sides, speaking on condition of anonymity earlier Sunday because the deal had not been announced, told Associated Press the Heat has never had any intention of letting Spoelstra go. He had one season remaining on his existing contract, a deal that the sides agreed to in 2011.