Paul Westhead is a name synonymous with fast-paced, high-scoring basketball. A visionary coach who introduced an electrifying run-and-gun offensive system, Westhead carved his place in basketball history by winning championships at both the NBA and NCAA levels. From leading the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA title in 1980 to implementing the famed “System” at Loyola Marymount University, Westhead’s coaching style was both admired and criticized. This article delves into his career, philosophy, successes, challenges, and lasting impact on the game of basketball.
Early Life and Coaching Beginnings
Born on February 21, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Paul Westhead grew up in a city known for its rich basketball culture. He attended Saint Joseph’s University, where he played basketball before transitioning into coaching.
Westhead began his coaching career at the high school level before moving into college basketball. His first significant coaching position came at La Salle University (1970–1979), where he served as head coach and laid the foundation for his fast-paced offensive philosophy. His success at La Salle attracted attention, eventually leading him to the professional ranks.
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NBA Championship with the Lakers (1979–1981)
Paul Westhead’s break into the NBA came in 1979 when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant coach under Jack McKinney. However, just 14 games into the season, McKinney suffered a serious bicycle accident, leading to Westhead being promoted to interim head coach.
Despite his sudden appointment, Westhead thrived in the role, steering the Lakers to a 60-22 record and an NBA championship in 1980, led by superstars Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His offense emphasized quick ball movement, transition play, and high scoring—elements that aligned with Magic Johnson’s dynamic playmaking ability.
However, Westhead’s tenure with the Lakers ended abruptly. During the 1981-82 season, tensions arose between him and Magic Johnson over his structured half-court offensive system. Johnson, preferring a freer playstyle, publicly expressed dissatisfaction, leading to Westhead’s firing just 11 games into the season. He was replaced by Pat Riley, who would go on to build the Lakers’ “Showtime” dynasty.
Coaching Journeys: From NBA to College Basketball
After his Lakers tenure, Westhead continued coaching at various levels, including both the NBA and college basketball. Some of his most notable stops included:
Chicago Bulls (1982–1983)
Westhead briefly coached the Chicago Bulls but struggled to find success, finishing the season with a 28-54 record.
Denver Nuggets (1990–1992): Implementing the “System” in the NBA
Westhead returned to the NBA with the Denver Nuggets, bringing his signature high-paced offense. Under his system, the Nuggets played an ultra-fast, high-scoring style, leading the league in scoring but also in points allowed. His team once averaged 126.5 points per game but also conceded over 130 points per game defensively. Despite entertaining play, this approach did not translate to winning, and Westhead was dismissed after two seasons.
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The Loyola Marymount Years: Birth of “The System” (1985–1990)
Westhead’s most legendary coaching tenure came at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), where he implemented his full-fledged run-and-gun offense, famously known as “The System.” His philosophy was simple:
- Shoot within 7 seconds
- Full-court press defense at all times
- Relentless fast breaks
- Encourage three-point shooting and high possession rates
Under Westhead, LMU became one of the most exciting teams in college basketball. The 1989-90 season was particularly historic, led by the dynamic duo of Bo Kimble and Hank Gathers. The team averaged an astonishing 122 points per game, a record that still stands today.
However, tragedy struck during the 1990 West Coast Conference Tournament when Hank Gathers collapsed and died on the court due to a heart condition. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Westhead’s team made an emotional Elite Eight run in the 1990 NCAA Tournament, one of the most memorable Cinderella stories in college basketball history.
Other Coaching Stints and International Experience
Westhead’s career took him across different leagues and even into women’s basketball:
- Golden State Warriors (1993–1994): His up-tempo system didn’t translate to success, leading to an early exit.
- George Mason University (1993–1997): Struggled to implement his system at the college level.
- Orlando Magic (assistant, 2003–2005): Helped mentor younger players.
- WNBA Championship with Phoenix Mercury (2007): Westhead proved his system worked in women’s basketball, leading the Phoenix Mercury to a WNBA title, becoming the only coach to win championships in both the NBA and WNBA.
Coaching Philosophy and Legacy
Paul Westhead’s coaching philosophy centered around speed, scoring, and aggressive play. He believed in maximizing possessions, emphasizing offense over defense, and giving players offensive freedom. While his philosophy was polarizing, it influenced modern basketball, particularly the rise of fast-paced, three-point-heavy offenses seen in today’s NBA with teams like the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets.
Many credit Westhead as a forerunner of “pace and space” basketball, which prioritizes quick transitions, spacing, and volume shooting. His ideas, once considered extreme, are now a staple in the game.
Conclusion
Paul Westhead may not be the most decorated coach in basketball history, but his impact is undeniable. From winning an NBA championship with the Lakers to creating one of the most exciting offensive systems ever at Loyola Marymount, his contributions to the game remain significant. His legacy lives on in today’s high-speed, three-point-driven era, proving that his once-radical ideas were simply ahead of their time.
Westhead’s career was a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks, but one thing is certain—he revolutionized basketball in a way few coaches ever have.
FAQs
1. Did Paul Westhead ever coach internationally?
Yes, Paul Westhead had coaching stints internationally. He served as the head coach for the Japan national basketball team, bringing his fast-paced offensive philosophy to international competition. His coaching also influenced global basketball strategies, particularly in fast-break and high-tempo offensive systems.
2. What was Paul Westhead’s relationship with Magic Johnson like after the Lakers controversy?
Although their relationship was strained during Westhead’s time with the Lakers, particularly due to disagreements over his offensive system, both later expressed mutual respect. Magic Johnson acknowledged Westhead’s coaching contributions, while Westhead admitted that the rift with Johnson played a major role in his departure from the Lakers.
3. Did Paul Westhead ever write a book about his coaching philosophy?
Yes, Paul Westhead authored a book titled “The Speed Game: My Fast Times in Basketball” (2020), in which he detailed his coaching journey, the development of his fast-paced system, and the triumphs and struggles he faced throughout his career. The book provides deeper insights into his coaching philosophy and his experiences with legendary teams and players.
