Longabardi was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and attended Xaverian High School, a private Catholic school. He went on to play basketball at Newberry College where he earned the nickname "Mr. Defense." After two years at Newberry College, Longabardi transferred to Frostburg State University. He graduated from Frostburg State with a bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education.
In 2000, he took a job as an assistant coach at Lafayette College, where he helped guide the team to a Patriot League Title and an NCAA Tournament appearance. In 2002, he became an assistant coach at Towson University.
NBA coaching career
Houston Rockets
During the summer of 2001, Longabardi helped coach the NACEL Open Door College All-Star Team with Bill Van Gundy, the father of both Stan Van Gundy and Jeff Van Gundy. When Jeff Van Gundy was hired as the new head coach of the Houston Rockets in 2003, he hired Longabardi to join the staff.
In his first year in Houston, he was as the assistant video coordinator and one year later he was promoted to lead video coordinator.[2]
Boston Celtics
In 2007, Longabardi was hired by the Boston Celtics as an assistant coach. He worked under Doc Rivers and Tom Thibodeau. In his first season with the Celtics, the team went on to win the NBA Championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 4–2.
In 2009, Longabardi became the Celtics full-time defensive coordinator.
Phoenix Suns
On June 25, 2013, Longabardi became an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns under head coach Jeff Hornacek.[3] In Longabardi's first year, the Suns had a record of 48–34, which was a drastic improvement from the previous year (25–57).
Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2016, Longabardi was hired by the Cleveland Cavaliers to be their defensive coordinator under head coach Tyronn Lue.[4] In his first year with the team, the Cavaliers won the NBA Championship.
