Executive Director of NBA Coaches Association Michael Goldberg passes away

The NBA announced on Saturday that Michael Goldberg, Executive Director of the NBA Coaches Association, has passed away.

Goldberg, who had been the head of the NBCA since 1980, was also general counsel to the ABA before that and was part of the league’s merger with the NBA in 1976.

Rick Carlisle, head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and president of the NBCA, released a statement upon Goldberg’s passing.

Via NBA.com:

The National Basketball Coaches Association mourns the loss of a leader, pioneer and trusted friend. In a life and career of remarkable achievement, Michael H. Goldberg fought for the betterment of NBA coaches with intensity and compassion. He will be remembered for his humility, loyalty, kindness and signature bow tie. Within our profession, Michael’s authenticity and polite persistence made him iconic. I have always been in awe of this man who did so much for so many and asked for so little in return.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released at statement after Goldberg’s death:

“Michael Goldberg was a beloved member of the NBA family and a dear friend to me. For more than 40 years in professional basketball, he poured his passion and energy into strengthening and growing our game. Dressed always to the nines with his trademark bow ties, he advocated relentlessly for NBA coaches and was one of the driving forces behind the league’s global growth. We mourn his passing and send our deepest condolences to his wife, Linda; his daughters, Lauren and Susan; and his many friends and colleagues.”

The league will miss Goldberg, and coaches will honor him for the rest of the 2016-17 NBA season with custom bowtie lapel pins -- a trademark of his signature style.

Just last week, the league announced that the NBCA will have their own NBA Coach of the Year award and that it would be named after Goldberg thanks to his service to the league and the NBCA.