Best NBA Coaches of All Time - Top 10 Greatest Ever
by Maivizhi A
Updated May 03, 2023
Best NBA Coaches of All Time
NBA coaches play an integral role in the success of a basketball team, helping to develop strategies, manage player egos and motivate their teams to perform at their best. The best NBA coaches of all time are those who have not only achieved incredible success on the court, but who have also left a lasting legacy on the sport.
These coaches have been able to lead their teams to multiple championships and have consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt to changing circumstances and player dynamics. They have also been known for their ability to build strong relationships with their players and to inspire them to achieve their full potential.
In addition to their technical and tactical abilities, the best NBA coaches of all time have also been recognized for their leadership and communication skills. They have been able to create a strong team culture and to effectively communicate their vision for success to their players.
The best NBA coaches of all time have left an indelible mark on the sport, shaping the way the game is played and inspiring future generations of basketball players and coaches to strive for greatness.
Top 10 Best NBA Coaches of All Time
Here is the list of Top 10 Best NBA Coaches of All Time with the teams they have coached.
1
Phil Jackson
Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks
2
Gregg Popovich
San Antonio Spurs
3
Red Auerbach
Boston Celtics
4
Pat Riley
Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat
5
Steve Kerr
Golden State Warriors
6
Larry Brown
Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers
7
Chuck Daly
Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic
8
Red Holzman
New York Knicks
9
Lenny Wilkens
Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks
10
Jerry Sloan
Utah Jazz
S.No
NBA Coaches
Teams
Let us see each of the NBA Coaches in detail.
1. Phil Jackson: Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks
Phil Jackson is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. He is known for his unique coaching style and his ability to develop winning teams. Jackson led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s, which included a historic run of three consecutive titles from 1996 to 1998. He later went on to coach the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won five NBA championships between 2000 and 2010.
Jackson's teams were known for their suffocating defense, unselfish ball movement, and high basketball IQ. He is a master at managing egos and personalities, and his teams were often able to rise to the occasion in clutch moments.
In addition to his coaching success, Jackson also won two NBA championships as a player with the New York Knicks in the 1970s. He returned to the Knicks as their president of basketball operations in 2014, but his tenure was marred by controversy and he ultimately left the team in 2017.
2. Gregg Popovich: San Antonio Spurs
Gregg Popovich is one of the most respected coaches in the NBA. He has been the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs since 1996, and he has led the team to five NBA championships. Popovich is known for his no-nonsense approach to coaching, and he demands a high level of effort and intensity from his players.
He is also a master at developing talent, and he has helped turn several unheralded players into stars during his tenure with the Spurs. Popovich's teams are known for their unselfish ball movement, solid defense, and smart decision-making.
He has also been an outspoken advocate for social justice and progressive causes, and he has used his platform as a coach to speak out on a variety of issues. In addition to his coaching success, Popovich has also been an assistant coach for several USA Basketball teams, including the 2004 Olympic team that won a bronze medal.
3. Red Auerbach: Boston Celtics
Red Auerbach is considered one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time, particularly for his time with the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1966. He won nine NBA championships with the team and helped popularize the fast-break style of play. Auerbach was known for his strategic mind, ability to motivate players, and innovative approach to the game.
He was also instrumental in breaking down racial barriers in the league, being the first coach to draft an African American player in 1950. Red Auerbach's impact on the game of basketball went beyond his coaching achievements.
He was also instrumental in promoting the NBA and making it the popular and lucrative league it is today. He was one of the first coaches to recognize the importance of television in growing the sport, and he helped to bring NBA games to a wider audience through appearances on national television programs.
4. Pat Riley: Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat
Pat Riley's success as a coach can be attributed to his ability to build strong relationships with his players. He was known for his intensity and drive, but he also showed compassion and empathy for his players off the court. He was a master of motivating his teams and getting the best out of his players, often pushing them to exceed their own expectations.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Riley has also made significant contributions as an executive. He has been involved in building championship teams for multiple franchises, including the Lakers, Heat, and New York Knicks. He has also been an advocate for player empowerment, recognizing the importance of giving players a voice in shaping the direction of their teams.
5. Steve Kerr: Golden State Warriors
Steve Kerr has quickly made a name for himself as one of the top coaches in the league, having led the Golden State Warriors to three NBA championships in four years from 2015 to 2018. Kerr's coaching style emphasizes teamwork, ball movement, and a focus on both offense and defense.
He is also known for his calm and thoughtful approach to coaching, which has earned him the respect of players and colleagues alike. Prior to his coaching career, Kerr was a successful player, having won five NBA championships as a member of the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs.
Steve Kerr's success as a coach can be attributed to his ability to adapt and innovate. He has been willing to experiment with new strategies and styles of play, often incorporating elements of European and international basketball into his coaching. He has also shown a willingness to embrace new technology and analytics, using data to help inform his coaching decisions.
6. Larry Brown: Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers
Larry Brown is considered one of the most accomplished coaches in NBA history, having won over 1,000 games in the NBA and ABA. He led the Detroit Pistons to the NBA championship in 2004 and took the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA finals in 2001. Brown is known for his ability to turn around struggling franchises and develop young talent.
He has a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian, demanding excellence from his players both on and off the court. Brown is also known for his emphasis on defense, and his teams are known for being tough, hard-nosed defenders.
7. Chuck Daly: Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic
Chuck Daly is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in NBA history, having won two NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990. He also coached the "Dream Team" to a gold medal in the 1992 Olympics.
Daly was known for his ability to motivate players and his strategic genius, often making bold decisions that paid off in crucial moments. He was a master of getting the most out of his players, and his teams were always among the toughest in the league.
8. Red Holzman: New York Knicks
Red Holzman is a legendary coach who led the New York Knicks to two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time, having won over 700 games in his career. Holzman was known for his ability to get the most out of his players and his mastery of the game's fundamentals.
He was a brilliant strategist and a master of X's and O's, and his teams were always among the most disciplined and well-coached in the league. Holzman was also known for his calm demeanor and his ability to keep his players focused and motivated, even in the most high-pressure situations.
9. Lenny Wilkens: Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks
Lenny Wilkens is one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, having coached for four different teams over a 32-year span. He began his coaching career with the Seattle SuperSonics in 1969 and led them to their first and only NBA championship in 1979.
Wilkens later coached the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks, and during his tenure with the Hawks, he became the NBA's all-time leader in coaching wins. In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Wilkens was also a Hall of Fame player, having played 15 seasons in the NBA.
10. Jerry Sloan: Utah Jazz
Jerry Sloan spent over 20 years as the head coach of the Utah Jazz, leading the team to the playoffs 19 times during his tenure. He is known for his hard-nosed coaching style and emphasis on defense, which helped the Jazz become one of the most successful franchises of the 1990s. Sloan coached Hall of Famers John Stockton and Karl Malone, and the Jazz made two trips to the NBA Finals under his leadership.
Sloan also had success as a player, spending 11 seasons in the NBA and earning two All-Star selections. He is widely respected as one of the greatest coaches and players in basketball history, and his contributions to the game will be remembered for generations to come. Sadly, Sloan passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
Who is the Greatest NBA Coach of All Time?
Phil Jackson is a former American professional basketball player and coach who is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born on September 17, 1945, in Deer Lodge, Montana, USA.
Jackson played as a forward for the New York Knicks from 1967 to 1978, winning two NBA championships as a player in 1970 and 1973. He then began his coaching career in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) before becoming an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls in 1987.
In 1989, Jackson was named head coach of the Bulls and led them to six NBA championships between 1991 and 1998, including two three-peats. He later coached the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships between 2000 and 2010, including another three-peat.
Phil Jackson's record speaks for itself - he is widely regarded as the greatest NBA coach of all time. He has achieved what few others have, with a staggering 11 championships under his belt and a remarkable win percentage of 70.4%. Jackson was instrumental in securing three consecutive NBA championships on three separate occasions, a feat accomplished only thrice in modern NBA history - and Jackson was involved in all of them.
He coached Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls to two three-peats and repeated the feat with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal in Los Angeles. He has even been named Coach of the Year once, cementing his legacy as the Zen Master of basketball coaching.
Best NBA Coaches
The best NBA coaches of all time have had a profound impact on the sport of basketball. They have consistently led their teams to success, while also leaving a lasting legacy on the game. These coaches possess exceptional technical and tactical abilities, along with strong leadership and communication skills.
They have built strong relationships with their players, inspiring them to reach their full potential. The top 10 coaches on this list, including Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich, Red Auerbach, Pat Riley, Steve Kerr, Larry Brown, Chuck Daly, Red Holzman, Lenny Wilkens, and Jerry Sloan, have set the standard for coaching excellence, shaping the way basketball is played and inspiring future generations of players and coaches to strive for greatness.
Best NBA Coaches of All Time - FAQs
Phil Jackson is widely considered the greatest NBA coach of all time, having won a total of 11 NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gregg Popovich is known for his no-nonsense approach to coaching and his ability to develop talent.
Red Auerbach helped popularize the fast-break style of play and was instrumental in breaking down racial barriers in the league.
Steve Kerr led the Golden State Warriors to three NBA championships in four years from 2015 to 2018.
Pat Riley was known for his intensity and drive, but he also showed compassion and empathy for his players off the court.