Cavaliers hire Cal women's HC Gottlieb as assistant coach

The Cleveland Cavaliers hired California Golden Bears women's head coach Lindsay Gottlieb as an assistant on John Beilein's staff, the team announced Wednesday.

It's the first instance in league history that a collegiate women's head coach has been hired to an NBA coaching staff.

“The vision for the Cavs’ future is compelling and I look forward to helping make it a reality," Gottlieb said in a statement from the Cavaliers. "At the same time, on a personal level, I am honored to hopefully impact young girls and women to be empowered to pursue their own visions and to be inspired to turn them into reality as well.”

The 41-year-old's contract is for four seasons and she is expected to have a prominent role on Beilein's staff, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

In three seasons at UC-Santa Barbara (2008-11) and the past eight at Cal, Gottlieb amassed a record of 235-128 including eight NCAA Tournament berths and a Final Four appearance in 2013.

"After sitting with her, it was easy to see how she will connect quickly with our staff and our players, and we all benefit because of that connection," Beilein said. "I’m looking forward to merging all of her years of experience and vision for the game with our current and future coaching staff."