Between 2003 and 2016, Fizdale was an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat.

During his tenure with the Heat, Fizdale coached "Team Shaq", a squad selected by Shaquille O'Neal, at the 2013 Rising Stars Challenge during the NBA All-Star Weekend.

After a 7–12 start to the 2017–18 season, including eight consecutive losses, and a publicized fourth-quarter benching of Marc Gasol, Fizdale was fired from the team on November 27, 2017.

[4] On May 7, 2018, Fizdale was named as the head coach of the New York Knicks signing a four-year deal with the organization.

[11] However, after an attempt to promote him into a front office position later in the month,[12] as well as receive interest in joining the Chicago Bulls,[13] Fizdale was reported to return to his role as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns on May 29.