NBA bench bosses prioritizing health to help cope with grind

Kerr had undergone a procedure to repair a spinal fluid leak on May 5, 2017, but was not well enough to return until June 4.

"My advice to coaches who are coming into the league: Don't get back surgery," Kerr quipped.

"That's my main advice. Sorry, bad joke. Luke Walton, when he took the Lakers job, we talked a lot about that.

"He told me his whole staff is really on a conditioning program and a health-wellness program. I think it's really smart, something that every staff should try to do is just make sure you've got people looking after you and looking after each other."

Kerr practices regular yoga and can often be seen on the elliptical machine after practice, getting loose on a foam roller or stretching with the assistance of an athletic trainer.

Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts appreciates the points of emphasis and information provided by the coaches association "whether it's diet or things to alleviate stress".

Stotts watches what he eats and exercises whenever he can.

"A lot of it is just common sense that everybody has to deal with to take care of yourself," Stotts said.

"It's not just coaches, obviously, it's everybody, a lot of middle-aged men need to be doing the same, and some like me, beyond middle age.

"The fact that our lifestyle, if you give in to it, it can be a detriment, and everybody needs to be aware."

Clifford is in Orlando now, and he understands better than ever the importance of taking care of himself and monitoring his own health in a business where keeping your job depends largely on winning.

He took significant steps to improve his sleep patterns and overall health after a previous heart scare.