“Thrilled for Lindsay,” Kerr said. “She's visited our practices many times. I'm a transplanted Cal fan since I've had two kids there. I'm disappointed for Cal that they're losing such a dynamic person and a great coach, but I'm thrilled for Lindsay.
“What a great opportunity and a great hire by the Cavaliers. She's a wonderful person and a hell of a coach.”
Cavs head coach John Beilein and general manager Koby Altman announced the hire of Gottlieb Wednesday afternoon.
Gottlieb is the first college women’s basketball head coach hired on to an NBA staff and is now the fifth female assistant coach in the league.
There are now eight women who have prominent roles on coaching staffs or in the front office around the league after David Griffin, the former general manager of the Cavaliers and current New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, hired 15-year WNBA star Swin Cash as the team's vice president of basketball operations and team development this week.
Kerr believes the rise of women in the NBA is good for the game and is hopeful that it will continue.
“Obviously, two big hires in the last few days,” Kerr said. “I think the women's game has gotten so much better. Last year's WNBA playoffs were so compelling. The Phoenix/Seattle series was incredible basketball. I just think the talent that we're seeing, the level of play is probably helping women to gain positions in the men's game.
“It's great to see and I'm really happy for Swin and for Lindsay, of course, and hopefully there will be many more.”