Bob Kauffman

Bob Kauffman

3× NBA All-Star | Former Detroit Pistons Head Coach | Former NBA General Manager

Bob Kauffman was born on July 13, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Guilford University and played for the basketball team, the Quakers at the forward and center positions. During his four seasons, the Quakers won 86 games with three straight trips to the NAIA Tournament. He holds Guilford school records for single-game rebounds (32), single-season rebounds with 698, career field goals with 943, single-season field goal percentage (.712), single-season free throws with 273, career free throws (684), and single-season free-throw attempts (344).

Kauffman was selected with the 3rd overall pick in first round of the 1968 NBA Draft. He played seven seasons in the NBA as a member of the Sonics, Chicago Bulls, Buffalo Braves, and Atlanta Hawks. He was a three-time All-Star in 1971, 1972, and 1973. In his 7 seasons in the NBA, Kauffman averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds. His best season statistically was in 1970–71, when he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Buffalo Braves under head coach Dolph Schayes.

After his playing career, he spent two seasons as assistant general manager for the Atlanta Hawks before Detroit hired him as the Pistons’ general manager in 1977. He was with the Pistons from May 25, 1977, to July 14, 1978.

In 1973, Kauffman was inducted into Guilford’s Athletics Hall of Fame and in 2009 Guilford College retired his jersey #44. In 2025, Kauffman was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame.

Coach Kauffman passed away on July 25, 2015, at the age of 69.

• Overall Coaching Record: 29-29

Coaching Career