Eric Musselman
Eric Musselman (born November 19, 1964) is an American basketball coach serving as the head coach of the USC Trojans men's basketball team in NCAA Division I.[1] With more than 35 years of experience across professional and collegiate levels, Musselman has compiled a professional head coaching record of 503–291 (.634 winning percentage) and a collegiate record of 241–111 (.685), including six NCAA Tournament appearances.[2][1] Known for developing NBA talent—having coached 24 players who reached the league—he began his career as the youngest head coach in Continental Basketball Association (CBA) history at age 23.[3] Musselman was born in Ashland, Ohio, and raised in Brecksville, south of Cleveland, before attending the University of San Diego, where he graduated in 1987 and contributed to a 24–6 senior season that earned an NCAA Tournament berth.[2] His coaching journey started in 1989 with the CBA's Rapid City Thrillers, where he led the team to four division titles and two finals appearances over five seasons, amassing part of his 270 CBA wins across stints with Rapid City (1989–1993) and the Albany Patroons (1993–1997).[4] He also coached the CBA All-Star team to an undefeated 5–0 record in five appearances and guided the USBL's Florida Beach Sharks to a 53–3 mark and league championship in 1997–98.[5] After a brief role as CBA commissioner in 1999, Musselman transitioned to the NBA as an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic (1999–2000) and Atlanta Hawks (2000–2002).[4] In the NBA, Musselman served as head coach of the Golden State Warriors from 2002 to 2004, posting a 75–89 record, and the Sacramento Kings in 2006–2007 with a 33–49 mark; he finished second in NBA Coach of the Year voting in 2002–2003.[6] Following his NBA head coaching roles, he worked as an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies (2004–2006) and later at Arizona State (2012–2014) and LSU (2015).[6][2] His return to head coaching came in college basketball with the University of Nevada from 2015 to 2019, where he achieved a 110–34 record, won three Mountain West Conference regular-season titles, and led the Wolf Pack to three NCAA Tournaments, including a Sweet 16 run in 2018.[1] Musselman then coached the University of Arkansas Razorbacks from 2019 to 2024, compiling a 111–59 record and guiding the team to three consecutive NCAA Tournaments (2021–2023), two Sweet 16 appearances (2021, 2023), and one Elite Eight finish in 2022; his team upset No. 1 seed Gonzaga in 2022.[1][2] Since joining USC in 2024, he has a 20–18 record as of November 16, 2025, including a 3–0 start to the 2025–26 season, focusing on rebuilding the program in the Big Ten Conference.[1][7] Musselman's high-energy style and emphasis on player development have earned him multiple Coach of the Year honors across leagues.[2]Early life and education
Family background
Eric Musselman was born on November 19, 1964, in Ashland, Ohio.[8] He was primarily raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where his family settled during his father's early coaching tenure at the University of Minnesota.[9] The Musselmans frequently relocated due to Bill Musselman's demanding career, which took the family from Minnesota to San Diego, California, in the mid-1970s when Bill was hired to coach the ABA's San Diego Sails (though he soon moved to the Virginia Squires), and later to Cleveland, Ohio, during his NBA stint with the Cavaliers.[10][11] His mother, Kris Musselman, supported the family through these moves, maintaining stability amid the nomadic lifestyle tied to professional basketball.[12] Bill Musselman was a prominent basketball coach whose career spanned high school, college, ABA, and NBA levels, including head coaching positions with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers from 1971 to 1975, the ABA's Virginia Squires from 1975 to 1976, and the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers from 1980 to 1982.[13] His innovative and intense coaching style influenced the sport, particularly in player development and fast-paced offenses.[14] Eric grew up immersed in this world, often accompanying his father to practices and games from a young age, which exposed him to elite basketball environments.[9] As a child in Minnesota, he tagged along to Gophers sessions, absorbing the rhythms of team preparation, and later served as a ball boy during his father's Cavaliers tenure, witnessing NBA operations up close.[15] These experiences included road trips with the team.[16] The Musselman household revolved around basketball passion, with Eric and his sister Nicole sharing in their father's enthusiasm; Nicole later pursued a career in fashion design while remaining connected to the family's basketball legacy.[17] Family anecdotes highlight Bill's showmanship, such as elaborate pregame routines involving ballhandling exhibitions, which Eric observed and later emulated in his own coaching.[18] Eric also recalled childhood memories of his father engaging in heated pickup games with figures like Phil Jackson during offseasons, underscoring the relentless energy that permeated their home life.[15] This early immersion fostered Eric's deep affinity for the sport, shaping his worldview long before his own involvement in coaching.[19]High school career
Musselman attended Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School in Brecksville, Ohio, a suburb south of Cleveland, after his family relocated there during his father's coaching career. Growing up in a basketball-oriented family with his father Bill as a renowned coach, Musselman honed his skills on the court from an early age.[6][4] As a point guard, Musselman stood at just 5 feet 7 inches but emerged as a standout scorer for the Bees. During his junior year, he averaged 24 points per game, securing fourth place in scoring across the city of Cleveland.[20] In his senior season of 1982–83, he maintained elite production with an average of 23 points per game while his father coached the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA.[14] Musselman earned a basketball scholarship to the University of San Diego, drawn in part by his family's longstanding ties to the area from earlier coaching stops, where he transitioned to college play under coaches Jim Brovelli and Hank Egan.[20][21]College playing career
Musselman enrolled at the University of San Diego in 1983 and played as a guard for the Toreros men's basketball team from 1983 to 1987.[22] As a walk-on player, he faced limited opportunities due to the depth on the roster, often serving in a reserve role while contributing to team practices and leadership.[23] Over his four seasons, he appeared in 55 games, averaging 1.3 points per game with minimal starts, reflecting his modest on-court impact amid a competitive backcourt.[22] The Toreros experienced varied success during Musselman's tenure, competing in the West Coast Athletic Conference (WCAC). Under head coach Jim Brovelli in his freshman year, the team posted a record of 18–10 in 1983–84—capped by an NCAA Tournament appearance.[24] Egan then guided the program through Musselman's sophomore, junior, and senior years, achieving 16–11 in 1984–85, 19–9 in 1985–86, and a standout 24–6 in 1986–87, which included a WCAC regular-season title and another NCAA Tournament bid, though the Toreros fell in the first round to Texas A&M.[25] Musselman, who earned West Coast Conference All-Academic honors, played alongside future professionals and benefited from Egan's and Brovelli's mentorship—both of whom later transitioned to NBA assistant roles.[5] He also served as team captain in his senior year, emphasizing his off-court contributions.[23] Musselman graduated from the University of San Diego in 1987 and immediately pivoted to basketball operations, joining the Continental Basketball Association's Rapid City Thrillers as general manager in 1988 before assuming head coaching duties the following year at age 23.[5][4]Coaching career
Early coaching roles (1989–1997)
Eric Musselman's coaching career began in 1989 when, at the age of 23, he became the youngest head coach in Continental Basketball Association (CBA) history with the Rapid City Thrillers. Over the next several seasons, he built a reputation for success in the minor leagues, guiding the Thrillers to four division titles and two appearances in the CBA finals between 1989 and 1995. His teams in Rapid City also established the best home record in league history at 106-14 (.883), contributing to an overall CBA mark of 270-122 (.688) across his stints.[26][5] In 1990–1991, Musselman briefly transitioned to the NBA as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves, gaining exposure to professional basketball operations before returning to the CBA. He resumed his head coaching duties with the Thrillers from 1991 to 1995, maintaining the team's competitive edge with consistent playoff appearances. In 1995, the franchise relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida, and rebranded as the Florida Beachdogs, where Musselman continued as head coach through the 1996–1997 season. Under his leadership, the Beachdogs achieved a 79-33 record over two seasons, advancing to the conference finals in 1995–1996 and the league finals in 1996–1997; notably, the 1996–1997 team won 40 games, the most in CBA history at the time.[5] Concurrently, during the summers of 1995 and 1996, Musselman coached the Florida Sharks in the United States Basketball League (USBL), posting a dominant 53-3 record over two seasons and securing back-to-back league championships. This success earned him the 1996 USBL Coach of the Year award.[2] His early roles emphasized player development, with several Thrillers and Beachdogs advancing to NBA rosters, including key evaluations that aided draft decisions and call-ups. These experiences in the CBA and USBL laid the groundwork for his later NBA opportunities, highlighting his ability to foster winning cultures in resource-limited environments.[26]NBA assistant positions (1998–2006)
Musselman began his NBA assistant coaching tenure with the Orlando Magic in 1998, serving under head coach Chuck Daly during the 1998–99 season alongside assistants Tree Rollins, Tom Sterner, and Brendan Suhr. The following year, he continued with the Magic under new head coach Doc Rivers for the 1999–2000 season, working with assistants Johnny Davis, Tom Sterner, and Dave Wohl. In this role, Musselman contributed to a team that featured emerging talent and reached the playoffs, finishing 41–41 and seventh in the Eastern Conference before losing in the first round to the Milwaukee Bucks.[27][27][26] In 2000, Musselman transitioned to the Atlanta Hawks as an assistant under head coach Lon Kruger, a position he held through the 2001–02 season with assistants Gar Heard, Rick Mahorn, and Gary Wortman in 2000–01, and Heard and Mahorn in 2001–02. During his two years in Atlanta, the Hawks showed improvement, increasing from 25 wins in 2000–01 to 33 wins in 2001–02, anchored by players like Jason Terry and Shareef Abdur-Rahim, though they missed the playoffs both seasons.[28][29][30] Following his head coaching role with the Golden State Warriors from 2002 to 2004, Musselman returned to the assistant ranks with the Memphis Grizzlies in December 2004. He served as an assistant under head coach Mike Fratello for the remainder of the 2004–05 season, alongside Mitchell Anderson, Tony Barone, Brendan Brown, Lionel Hollins, and Hal Wissel, before continuing under Hubie Brown—who reassumed the head coaching position in February 2005—through the 2005–06 season with Anderson and Hollins. In Memphis, Musselman helped support a successful Grizzlies team that posted franchise records of 50 wins in 2004–05 (reaching the second round of the playoffs) and 49 wins in 2005–06 (advancing to the first round), led by Pau Gasol and a strong defensive unit.[31][32][33]Golden State Warriors head coach (2002–2004)
Eric Musselman was hired as head coach of the Golden State Warriors on July 26, 2002, at the age of 37, making him the youngest head coach in NBA history at the time. He had previously served as an assistant coach with the Orlando Magic.[34][21] In his first season (2002–03), Musselman led the Warriors to a 38–44 record, a 17-win improvement from the prior year's 21–61 mark, though the team finished sixth in the Pacific Division and missed the playoffs. The team's offensive output ranked second in the league at 102.4 points per game, reflecting Musselman's emphasis on an up-tempo style that pushed a fast pace of 94.2 possessions per game. He relied heavily on starters, with forward Antawn Jamison logging a league-high 39.3 minutes per game while averaging 22.2 points. This approach earned Musselman second place in NBA Coach of the Year voting.[35][35][36] The 2003–04 season brought a 37–45 record, again without playoffs as the Warriors placed seventh in the Pacific Division. Persistent injuries hampered the roster, including knee issues for Nick Van Exel, a broken hand for Speedy Claxton, foot and ankle problems for Troy Murphy, sprained ankles for Mike Dunleavy and Erick Dampier, and a tender knee for Adonal Foyle. Team chemistry suffered amid Musselman's demanding style, which drew private and public criticism from players frustrated with his management and rotation decisions. His preference for veterans like Calbert Cheaney and Cliff Robinson over younger talent further strained relations with management, who sought more development opportunities for the team's youth.[37][38][38] Musselman was fired on May 20, 2004, following clashes with executives over player usage, despite the 37–45 mark representing the franchise's best finish since 1994. His tenure was praised for injecting energy and revitalizing a struggling franchise—the most successful coaching run in over a decade—but criticized for inadequate depth management and over-reliance on a limited core, which limited long-term progress.[39][39][38]Sacramento Kings head coach (2006–2007)
On June 2, 2006, the Sacramento Kings hired Eric Musselman as head coach, replacing Rick Adelman, who had been dismissed on May 9 following the team's first-round playoff exit. Musselman, then an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies, was selected for his reputation as a defensive-minded coach eager to revitalize a franchise transitioning from its championship-contending era.[40] Musselman's approach centered on fostering defensive intensity to counter the roster's offensive strengths, particularly through the talents of point guard Mike Bibby and forward Ron Artest, whom the Kings had acquired in a mid-2006 trade from Indiana. He emphasized attitude and focus changes, installing practice signs like "Defense Wins Championships" to instill discipline and effort. Bibby provided steady scoring leadership, while Artest was expected to anchor the defense with his physicality, though the team struggled to gel amid roster inconsistencies.[41][42] The season was marred by internal challenges and off-court distractions that undermined team cohesion. Artest's frequent late withdrawals from games due to unreported injuries, such as knee soreness, disrupted rotations and fueled perceptions of unreliability, exacerbating tensions within the group. Additionally, Musselman's own arrest for driving under the influence on October 21, 2006, shortly before the regular season, drew scrutiny and led to a two-game NBA suspension in February 2007 after he pleaded no contest. These issues contributed to erratic performance and a failure to contend in the Western Conference.[43] On April 20, 2007, following a disappointing campaign that ended without a playoff appearance, the Kings fired Musselman, ending his tenure after just one season. He was replaced by Reggie Theus in June 2007. This brief stint represented Musselman's shortest head coaching role in the NBA, underscoring the difficulties he faced in adapting his high-energy style to a roster plagued by chemistry problems, in contrast to his more stable two-year run with the Golden State Warriors.[44]D-League and international coaching (2010–2013)
Following his tenure as head coach of the Sacramento Kings, Eric Musselman transitioned to the NBA Development League (now G League) to continue honing his coaching skills at the professional level. In August 2010, he was hired as head coach of the Reno Bighorns, the affiliate of the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. Under Musselman, the Bighorns achieved a franchise-best 34-16 regular-season record in 2010-11, securing the Western Conference's top seed and advancing to the conference semifinals in the playoffs, where they fell to the Tulsa 66ers. The team's success was bolstered by a roster heavy with NBA-caliber talent on assignment, including players like Pooh Jeter, who led the league in scoring that season and earned MVP honors under Musselman's guidance.[2][45][46] In 2011-12, Musselman moved to the Los Angeles D-Fenders, the Lakers' affiliate, where he again elevated the program. The D-Fenders finished with a 38-18 record, the league's best, and reached the finals before losing to the Austin Toros. Musselman was named the 2011-12 NBA D-League Coach of the Year for his work in player development, with several roster members earning NBA call-ups, including Jeremy Lin, who went on to stardom with the New York Knicks. His D-League stints emphasized rapid adaptation to high-tempo play and skill refinement, preparing athletes for NBA opportunities through rigorous practice and strategic rotations.[47][4][48] Parallel to his D-League role, Musselman expanded into international coaching, beginning with the Dominican Republic national team in May 2010. He guided the squad to a silver medal at the 2010 CentroBasket Championship in Santo Domingo, defeating teams like Mexico and Panama en route to the final, where they lost to Puerto Rico; this performance qualified the Dominican Republic for the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship. Musselman's approach focused on acclimating players to FIBA rules, such as the shorter shot clock and emphasis on international officiating, through intensive drills on ball movement and defensive positioning.[49][49][50] In August 2011, shortly after starting with the D-Fenders, Musselman was appointed head coach of the Venezuela national team by the Venezuelan Basketball Federation. At the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Venezuela finished fifth with a 5-4 record, highlighted by wins over Mexico and the Bahamas, securing a berth in the 2012 Olympics qualifying tournament. The following year, he led Venezuela to a silver medal at the 2012 FIBA South American Championship, losing the final to Argentina but qualifying for the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship. Key to these successes were stars like Greivis Vásquez, the NBA point guard who averaged 19.2 points per game in 2011 and served as the team's offensive leader under Musselman's system. Musselman's international tenure underscored his philosophy of prioritizing fundamentals—such as passing accuracy and rebounding intensity—to bridge stylistic gaps between professional and global competition.[51][8][52] In summer 2012, amid his D-League and Venezuelan commitments, Musselman contributed to USA Basketball as an assistant coach for developmental programs, working with emerging talents who later reached the NBA. This period marked a pivotal rebuilding phase for Musselman, blending domestic player development with global exposure to refine his versatile coaching toolkit.[26]College assistant positions (2012–2015)
After a hiatus from coaching that included work as a television analyst following his dismissal from the Sacramento Kings in 2007, Eric Musselman returned to the sidelines in 2012 by joining the Arizona State University staff as an assistant coach under head coach Herb Sendek. Musselman, seeking to adapt his professional basketball expertise to the college game, focused on opponent scouting, on-court player development, and recruiting during his tenure. His efforts contributed to the Sun Devils' improved performance, including a 21–12 record in the 2012–13 season that earned an NIT berth and a similar mark in 2013–14 that secured an NCAA Tournament appearance; notable players he helped develop included Pac-12 Co-Freshman of the Year Jahii Carson and second-round NBA draft pick Carrick Felix. Promoted to associate head coach prior to the 2013–14 campaign, Musselman gained valuable insights into college-level operations, bridging his NBA background with the demands of NCAA recruiting and practice structures.[53][4][26] In June 2014, Musselman transitioned to Louisiana State University (LSU) as an associate coach under head coach Johnny Jones, continuing his emphasis on player development and high-level talent acquisition. At LSU, he played a key role in scouting and skill enhancement, supporting a Tigers team that finished 22–11 and qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2014–15, their first appearance since 2009. Musselman's recruiting prowess was particularly evident in his involvement in landing five-star prospect Ben Simmons, the nation's top recruit and eventual No. 1 overall NBA draft pick in 2016, which elevated LSU's profile and provided Musselman with direct experience in navigating the competitive landscape of college talent evaluation. This one-year stint at LSU further honed his understanding of college basketball dynamics, preparing him for future head coaching opportunities after years away from the collegiate level.[54][55][56]University of Nevada head coach (2015–2019)
Eric Musselman was hired as head coach of the University of Nevada men's basketball team on March 25, 2015, following the dismissal of David Carter after a 9-22 season. In his four seasons with the Wolf Pack, Musselman compiled an overall record of 110–34, achieving a .764 winning percentage and transforming the program from a mid-major underachiever into a consistent NCAA Tournament contender. His tenure marked the first time Nevada won three consecutive Mountain West Conference regular-season titles (2016–17, 2017–18, and 2018–19), along with a conference tournament championship in 2017. Musselman's emphasis on discipline, conditioning, and team culture led to 24 wins in his debut season (2015–16), including a College Basketball Invitational title—the program's first postseason tournament victory.[57][1][1] A cornerstone of Musselman's success at Nevada was his aggressive recruiting of transfers, which allowed him to quickly build a competitive roster in a mid-major conference. Notable additions included the Martin twins, Caleb and Cody, who transferred from North Carolina State in May 2016 and became key contributors, with Caleb earning Mountain West Newcomer of the Year honors in 2018. Other transfers like Jordan Caroline from Southern Illinois further bolstered the lineup, enabling rapid improvement without relying solely on high school recruits. Musselman implemented an up-tempo offensive style characterized by fast breaks, high-volume three-point shooting, and relentless pressure defense, which aligned with his NBA background and pushed Nevada's pace to among the nation's fastest. This approach not only maximized the athleticism of his transfers but also fostered a gritty, resilient team identity, evident in high-energy practices and off-court bonding activities.[58][59] Musselman's teams made three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2017 to 2019, a program first. In the 2016–17 season, Nevada finished 28–7 and earned a No. 8 seed but fell 84–73 to Iowa State in the first round. The 2017–18 campaign was a breakthrough, with a 29–8 record culminating in a No. 7 seed and a run to the Sweet 16—the program's second-ever appearance there—highlighted by a 22-point second-half comeback victory over No. 2 Cincinnati (75–73) in the second round, before a 69–68 loss to Loyola Chicago. The following year, the Wolf Pack went 29–5 and received a No. 7 seed, defeating Texas 71–66 in the first round prior to a 70–61 second-round exit against Florida. For his efforts in leading Nevada to the 2017–18 conference title and Sweet 16, Musselman was named Mountain West Coach of the Year by conference media.[60][61][62] Amid this sustained success, Musselman departed Nevada on April 7, 2019, to become head coach at the University of Arkansas, leaving behind a revitalized program that had won 86 games over its final three seasons. His exit came shortly after the 2018–19 season, capping a tenure that elevated Nevada's national profile and set a new standard for Wolf Pack basketball.[63][64]University of Arkansas head coach (2019–2024)
Eric Musselman was hired as the head men's basketball coach at the University of Arkansas on April 7, 2019, following his successful tenure at the University of Nevada. Over his five seasons with the Razorbacks, he compiled an overall record of 111–59, achieving a .653 winning percentage and guiding the program to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2021 to 2023. Musselman's arrival marked a revitalization for Arkansas, an established Southeastern Conference (SEC) program seeking to return to national prominence after a period of inconsistency.[63][1] Musselman's peak successes came in his second and third seasons, where the Razorbacks made deep postseason runs. In the 2020–21 campaign, Arkansas advanced to the Elite Eight with a 25–7 record, defeating top-seeded Baylor in the process before falling to eventual national champion Gonzaga. The following year, 2021–22, they repeated the feat, finishing 28–9 overall and reaching the Elite Eight again after upsetting top-seeded Gonzaga in the Sweet 16. In 2022–23, the team earned a Sweet 16 berth with a 22–14 mark, continuing a streak of three straight NCAA Tournament trips that represented the program's most consistent March Madness presence since the mid-1990s. These achievements included eight NCAA Tournament wins over three years, highlighting Musselman's ability to elevate Arkansas against elite competition.[65][66] Central to Musselman's approach was a transfer-heavy roster strategy, leveraging the portal to quickly assemble competitive talent. A prime example was guard JD Notae, who transferred from Jacksonville in 2019 and became a key scorer, averaging 15.5 points per game in 2021–22 while earning All-SEC honors. This method allowed rapid rebuilding, with multiple transfers contributing to the team's up-tempo, defensive-oriented style. Complementing this was Musselman's emphasis on high-energy practices, characterized by intense drills and attention to detail that fostered discipline and conditioning among players.[67][64] The 2023–24 season marked a decline, with Arkansas finishing 16–17 overall and missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time under Musselman, hampered by injuries and roster turnover. Following this underwhelming performance, Musselman departed Arkansas on April 4, 2024, to become the head coach at the University of Southern California, ending his tenure amid the program's shift toward new leadership.[68]University of Southern California head coach (2024–present)
On April 4, 2024, Eric Musselman was hired as the head coach of the USC Trojans men's basketball team, replacing Andy Enfield who had departed for Duke after 11 seasons. Musselman's appointment came amid USC's transition to the Big Ten Conference, with the program seeking a proven winner to elevate its competitiveness in the expanded league. His five-year tenure at Arkansas, where he achieved four NCAA Tournament appearances, positioned him as a strategic fit for the Trojans' ambitions.[68][69][70] In his first season during 2024–25, Musselman's Trojans posted a 17–18 overall record and went 7–13 in Big Ten play, securing a 12th-place finish in the conference and missing the NCAA Tournament. The campaign highlighted USC's adjustment to the rigors of Big Ten competition, including road challenges and a demanding schedule against powerhouses like Purdue and Michigan State, but also featured upset victories that demonstrated potential, such as a win over then-ranked Michigan. Injuries plagued the roster, limiting contributions from transfers like Rodney Rice, who missed significant time due to a shoulder issue, and contributing to inconsistent depth throughout the year.[71][72][73] Entering the 2025–26 season, Musselman executed a comprehensive roster rebuild, incorporating 10 transfers through the portal to infuse talent and experience, with key additions including Chad Baker-Mazara from Auburn, who averaged 13.2 points per game in his prior season, and Rodney Rice from Maryland. This aggressive recruitment strategy addressed the departures of several players from the previous year and aimed to better align the team with Musselman's up-tempo, defensive-oriented system. As of November 16, 2025, the Trojans are 3–0 in early season play, with victories over Cal Poly (94–64 on November 3) and Illinois State (87–67 on November 14, highlighted by Rodney Rice's triple-double), while preparations continue to emphasize building bench depth and adapting to the Big Ten's physical, high-pace style, fostering greater team cohesion through off-court bonding activities.[74][75][76] Despite the inaugural season's hurdles, including the conference shift's logistical demands and injury setbacks like freshman Alijah Arenas' knee issue stemming from a preseason car accident, Musselman has expressed optimism for a breakout second year, projecting improved defensive efficiency and portal-driven scoring to position USC for an NCAA Tournament return. The revamped lineup, blending veterans with high-upside newcomers, is expected to mitigate prior depth issues and capitalize on the Big Ten's opportunities.[77][78][79]Head coaching record
NBA
Eric Musselman's NBA head coaching career consisted of two stints, first with the Golden State Warriors from 2002 to 2004 and later with the Sacramento Kings in 2006–2007, resulting in an overall regular season record of 108–138 (.439).[6] None of his NBA teams advanced to the playoffs.[6] He became the youngest head coach in the NBA at the time when hired by the Warriors at age 37.[80]| Season(s) | Team | Wins | Losses | Win % | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–03 to 2003–04 | Golden State Warriors | 75 | 89 | .457 | Did not qualify |
| 2006–07 | Sacramento Kings | 33 | 49 | .402 | Did not qualify |
College
Eric Musselman's college head coaching career spans the University of Nevada (2015–2019), the University of Arkansas (2019–2024), and the University of Southern California (2024–present), where he amassed an overall record of 241–111 (.685) as of November 16, 2025.[1] During his four seasons at Nevada, Musselman guided the Wolf Pack to a 110–34 record (.764) and three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a program-best Sweet 16 in 2018.[1] His teams won three Mountain West regular-season championships (2017, 2018, 2019) and one conference tournament title (2017).[1] At Arkansas over five seasons, he achieved a 111–59 mark (.653) with three NCAA appearances, highlighted by back-to-back Elite Eight runs in 2022 and a Sweet 16 in 2023; his Razorbacks never captured an SEC regular-season or tournament title.[1] At USC, his teams have a 20–18 record through the early 2025–26 season (17–18 in 2024–25, 3–0 in 2025–26 as of November 16, 2025).[1] The following table summarizes Musselman's head coaching records at Nevada, Arkansas, and USC:| Season | Team | Overall | Conference | Postseason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | Nevada | 24–14 | 10–8 MWC | CBI Champion |
| 2016–17 | Nevada | 28–7 | 14–4 MWC | NCAA First Round |
| 2017–18 | Nevada | 29–8 | 15–3 MWC | NCAA Sweet 16 |
| 2018–19 | Nevada | 29–5 | 15–3 MWC | NCAA Second Round |
| 2019–20 | Arkansas | 20–12 | 7–11 SEC | Postseason cancelled (COVID-19) |
| 2020–21 | Arkansas | 25–7 | 13–4 SEC | NCAA Second Round |
| 2021–22 | Arkansas | 28–9 | 13–5 SEC | NCAA Elite Eight |
| 2022–23 | Arkansas | 22–14 | 8–10 SEC | NCAA Sweet 16 |
| 2023–24 | Arkansas | 16–17 | 6–12 SEC | — |
| 2024–25 | USC | 17–18 | 7–13 Big Ten | — |
| 2025–26 | USC | 3–0 | 0–0 Big Ten | — |
Other professional and international
Musselman began his head coaching career in professional minor leagues. In the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), he coached the Rapid City Thrillers (1989–1995) to 191–89 and the Florida Beachdogs (1996–1997) to 79–33, totaling 270–122 (.689) with multiple division titles and finals appearances. Notably, in the United States Basketball League (USBL), he led the Florida Sharks in 1995–96 to a 50–3 regular-season record (.943) and 53–3 overall including playoffs, winning the league championship.[81][2] In the NBA Development League (D-League, now G League), Musselman served as head coach of the Reno Bighorns in 2010–11 (34–16 regular season, .680, playoffs 2–3) and the Los Angeles D-Fenders in 2011–12 (38–12, .760, playoffs 5–2), achieving a combined 72–28 regular-season record (.720) and qualifying for the playoffs both seasons, emphasizing player development for NBA prospects.[81][26] Internationally, Musselman coached the Dominican Republic national team in 2010, posting a 5–1 record (.833) and reaching the gold medal game at the CentroBasket Championship, which helped build the program's competitiveness. Later, from 2011 to 2013, he led the Venezuela national team to a 20–10 overall record (.667), including a silver medal at the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship, marking one of the team's strongest international showings.[82][49]| League/Team | Years | Regular Season Record (Win %) | Notable Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBA: Rapid City Thrillers & Florida Beachdogs | 1989–1997 | 270–122 (.689) | Multiple division titles, finals appearances |
| USBL: Florida Sharks | 1995–96 | 50–3 (.943) | League championship (53–3 overall incl. playoffs) |
| D-League: Reno Bighorns | 2010–11 | 34–16 (.680) | Playoff appearance |
| D-League: Los Angeles D-Fenders | 2011–12 | 38–12 (.760) | Playoff appearance, D-League Coach of the Year |
| FIBA: Dominican Republic National Team | 2010 | 5–1 (.833) | Gold medal game at 2010 CentroBasket Championship |
| FIBA: Venezuela National Team | 2011–13 | 20–10 (.667) | Silver medal at 2013 FIBA Americas Championship |