The Halifax Rainmen have a new head coach who won two NBA championships as a teammate of Michael Jordan’s with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s.

Cliff Levingston, a veteran of 830 NBA games who claimed titles in 1991 and 1992, was named the Rainmen’s new head coach on Wednesday. He takes over for Josep ‘Pep’ Claros, who decided not to return.

Levingston is a cousin of Rainmen owner Andre Levingston.

“When you played or coached at the top of the food chain, guys come in with a certain level of respect for you right out of the gate,” Andre Levingston said. “On top of his experience and knowledge for the game, I’ve heard nothing but good things with regard to his coaching style and philosophy.”

Cliff Levingston, a 51-year-old from San Diego, averaged 7.1 points and 5.2 rebounds in 11 NBA seasons with the Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets.

He retired in 1995 and began his coaching career in 2000, and has held jobs in Europe as well as in North American circuits such as the Continental Basketball Association, American Basketball Association and United States Basketball League.

The Rainmen, who went 23-13 last season and lost in the National Basketball League of Canada final, hope Cliff Levingston can help them take the next step.

“We feel he can be a guy who can give us an opportunity to compete for a championship,” Andre Levingston said.