Montgomery finalizes deal with Golden State

OAKLAND, Calif. — Mike Montgomery admitted to Chris Mullin right away that he doesn’t know all the inner workings of the NBA, and that honesty impressed Mullin.

Montgomery left Stanford after 18 seasons as head coach to become the new coach of the Golden State Warriors on Friday.

Montgomery, 57, replaces Eric Musselman, who was fired Wednesday night after two seasons. Montgomery’s deal is reportedly a four-year, $10 million contract, which was completed late Tuesday.

“I guess it never really hit me until they just announced it that I’m the new head coach of the Golden State Warriors,” Montgomery said when formally introduced Friday with his wife and daughter looking on. “I got a little choked up. . . . I know this is not going to be easy. It’s going to be a tremendous challenge, but I’m prepared for that. I think basketball is basketball.”

It was the first major hire by Mullin, who became the Warriors executive vice president of basketball operations a month ago. Mullin appreciated Montgomery’s openness about learning the league.

“This is a huge day for the Warriors. I’m elated this is happening,” Mullin said. “We’re thrilled to bring a coach the caliber of Mike Montgomery into the fold. He’s had a tremendous amount of success throughout his career and we think he’ll be a very good fit for our organization.”

The announcement came a day after Mullin announced Rod Higgins would be the team’s new general manager. Mullin met with Montgomery in person several times for several hours each time.

Montgomery spent eight seasons at the University of Montana before going to Stanford and had an overall record of 154-77 for the Griz. He averaged 19 victories a season at Montana and produced consecutive 20-win seasons his last four years there. During Montgomery’s tenure, four Grizzlies were drafted by the NBA, including Larry Krystkowiak who’s been named Montana’s new men’s coach.

Coaching in the NBA has always been something Montgomery has considered as the next logical step. For several years now he has been talking to other coaches about the differences.

“Obviously there will be somewhat of a transition going from college to the NBA, but I’m prepared to meet those new demands and am confident in my abilities,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery has been one of the most successful college coaches over the past two decades, but has no NBA experience. He led the Cardinal to their third No. 1 NCAA tournament seed in five years this season, but Stanford was upset in the second round by Alabama.

“Coach Montgomery brings great preparation,” Mark Madsen, a former Stanford player now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, said Thursday. “I don’t care what you do. You always want guys who are going to work hard. No one will outwork coach Montgomery.

“Coach Montgomery also brings an ability to communicate with players. … Relating to players in the NBA is a very important skill to have and I think coach Montgomery is going to do a great job.”

Stanford has been to the second round of the NCAA tournament for 10 straight years and made the Final Four in 1998. The Cardinal won their first 26 games this season and finished the regular season ranked No. 1 with a 29-1 mark. He has a career record of 547-244.

“It was definitely a surprise but I knew it was something that was going to happen sooner or later,” said forward Josh Childress, the Pac-10 player of the year who declared himself eligible for the NBA after his junior season with the Cardinal.

“I knew he was going to move up to the NBA ranks. I didn’t know when or where, but this was his chance and he took it. Coach Montgomery is a great coach. He deserves it. When you have a winning season like we had last season opportunities open up. He doesn’t have to move, it’s right in his backyard, I don’t see how he could have said no.”

Musselman, who had one year remaining on a three-year, $4.5 million contract, was 75-89 with Golden State.

Mullin has set up meetings with the assistant coaches, but wouldn’t say whether any would be retained. He said he wants a top assistant with solid NBA experience.

“Let’s be honest, I’m 57 years old. If there was ever going to be an opportunity better than this, I don’t know what it would be,” said Montgomery, who will keep his home in Menlo Park but also have a place close to Oakland. “This is an easy transition in so many ways.”

One thing he needs: a new car.

“So I don’t embarrass the players in the parking lot,” he said with a smile.