“After an extensive search and a great deal of consideration, we have come to the conclusion that Mark Jackson is the best coach for this team,” —Warriors’ General Manager Larry Riley.

“We are tremendously excited about the addition of Mark Jackson as our new head coach,”  —Warriors’ Owner Joe Lacob.

The NBA’s 3rd leading assists getter and 1987 -88 Rookie of the Year has been named the 24th coach in the history of the Golden State Warriors.  It will Mark Jackson’s first job as a coach in the Association.

Bringing the Warriors back into the postseason basketball has Jackson excited.

“I am really elated about this opportunity and I’m looking forward to the challenge of building the Warriors into a perennial contender, I cannot tell you how impressed I was with the organization during our meetings, beginning at the top with Joe Lacob and, of course, with Larry Riley, Bob Myers and Jerry West.”

The 17-year NBA point guard and current ABC/ESPN analyst will be introduced in the Bay Area later this week.

The new Warriors head man is thrilled, honored and very thankful to land the role.

“This is an incredible opportunity and I am honored and thank God that I have been chosen to be the next coach of the Warriors. The Bay Area has always had some of the best fans in the NBA and I look forward to being a part of that incredible atmosphere at Oracle Arena, along with my wife, my kids and my church family, who are thrilled as well.”

The Warriors GM will bring a new look to the team according to the team’s GM.

“He will bring a youthful and fresh approach to our team and the fact that he enjoyed a stellar playing career, where he served most of that time as the leader of some very successful teams, will prove invaluable in the long run. We were looking for a coach with leadership ability and a strong personality and believe Mark possesses those qualities. He’s very well respected in NBA circles, is a consummate professional and his knowledge and background will be an incredible asset for our team and organization.”

The owner of the club knows Jackson’s leadership abilities will crossover from player to coach.

“He epitomized leadership as a player in this league for 17 seasons and we think that characteristic – and many other positive traits – will translate very well into his coaching duties with our young team. He was a leader and a winner both on and off the floor in this league and we’re convinced that he is the right person to guide this team into the future and help us achieve the success that we are striving for as an organization.”

Jackson, who will assume his new duties at the conclusion of the NBA Finals, appeared in 131 playoff games during his career, including 23 with the Indiana Pacers in 2000, when he was a member of the Eastern Conference Champions (played L.A. Lakers in the NBA Finals). Additionally, he led the NBA in assists during the 1996-97 campaign (11.4 apg).

Note: This article has included quotes from the Golden State Warriors official team website on NBA.com