Nelson returns to coach Warriors

It marks a return to the team for the 66-year-old Nelson, who guided the Warriors for six-plus seasons beginning in 1988. He posted a 277-260 record with the squad before resigning halfway through the 1994-95 season.

"We are really excited to welcome Don back to the Warriors’ family," said Golden State executive vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin. "He has proven to be one of the best and most successful coaches in NBA history and is very-well respected throughout the league for his unique creativity, strategical exploits and leadership. We often talk about having the right fit for a team and I think this man is someone who can certainly help our young and talented roster achieve its maximum performance."

Nelson replaces Mike Montgomery, who parted ways with the Warriors on Tuesday despite having two years remaining on a four-year deal. Montgomery had been the Warriors head coach for the past two seasons and posted an overall mark of 68-96 after finishing consecutive seasons with a record of 34-48.

Golden State’s last playoff appearance came in 1994, under Nelson. The three- time NBA Coach of the Year has posted a 1,190-880 record in 27 years as an NBA head coach, also guiding Milwaukee, the New York Knicks and Dallas.

"I’m really excited about this new opportunity and want to thank (Warriors’ owner Chris Cohan) for opening the doors again," said Nelson. "I have always had a special place in my heart for this organization and the incredible fans of the Bay Area who have filed into this arena year after year. I’m equally excited about the team that I’m inheriting, one that I think is extremely talented and has a lot of room for growth."

Nelson went 339-251 record in eight seasons with the Mavericks, but left the team in March of 2005 due to health issues. The product of Iowa is the second winningest coach in NBA history, trailing only Lenny Wilkens. Nelson has also coached Milwaukee, Golden State and New York.

A player for 14 seasons, Nelson spent most of his time on the court with the Boston Celtics and also played for the Lakers and Chicago Zephyrs.