Top 20 Best NBA Coaches of All Time

These Are the 20 Best NBA Coaches of All Time

1. Phil Jackson

Don’t be surprised — it’s Phil Jackson sitting at the top of the coaching ranks. While he was no slouch as a player, his time on the sidelines truly revolutionized the game.

With a unique philosophy and the brilliant implementation of the triangle offense, Jackson was able to snag an incredible 11 NBA championships — six with the Chicago Bulls and five with the Los Angeles Lakers. His approach to coaching transformed basketball, and he’s widely regarded as the best NBA coach of all time.

2. Gregg Popovich

With a coaching career spanning over two decades, Gregg Popovich firmly holds the second spot on our list as one of the best NBA coaches of all time. He may be one of the highest paid NBA coaches, but don’t forget he’s led the San Antonio Spurs to five NBA championships (snagging two Coach of the Year awards) and is also the winningest coach in NBA history with over 2,215 wins and counting.

It’s only logical to have ‘Pop’ here — some might even argue he deserves to be above Phil Jackson, but that’s a debate for another day.

Popovich’s impact on the game over the past decades goes beyond just his impressive win percentage. He’s a master at utilizing players most efficiently, creating teams that thrive on chemistry and teamwork. In short, if you want to talk about game-changers, you can’t skip over ‘Pop’!

3. Red Auerbach

If you’re a basketball fan, you must know Red Auerbach. This guy was a true pioneer of the game, winning nine championships with the Boston Celtics in the 1950s and 1960s.

Auerbach was a playbook genius known for crafting intricate strategies and being the first coach to implement the fast break as a core part of a team’s playstyle. His innovative approach didn’t just win games; it changed how basketball is played today. Red’s legacy is all over the court, and his influence is still felt by coaches and players alike. If you love the game, you owe a nod to Auerbach.

4. Pat Riley

No doubt about it, Pat Riley comes in at number four. Known for his sleek style and sharp understanding of the game, Riley was a top coach in the 1980s. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to four NBA championships during the iconic “Showtime” era and is one of the top ranked Lakers head coaches since 1980.

But Riley’s success didn’t stop there. He later joined the Miami Heat, adding another title to his resume and solidifying his status as one of the best basketball coaches ever. With a legacy that blends style and substance, Riley is a name every basketball fan needs to know.

5. Chuck Daly

Do you remember the ‘Bad Boys’ Detroit Pistons? If so, you’ve got to know Chuck Daly — the mastermind behind that tough-as-nails team that snagged back-to-back NBA titles in 1989 and 1990.

Daly was famous for his astute yet brutal tactics when closing out games. He even created the infamous “Jordan Rules” game plan for when the Pistons faced the Bulls, telling his players to hit Michael Jordan as soon as he drove to the basket. Chicago fans might hold a grudge against him, but there’s no denying that Chuck Daly is one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time.

6. Larry Brown

Larry Brown is the only coach to snag both an NCAA Championship and an NBA Championship, which speaks volumes about his ability to adapt and teach. He’s undeniably one of the greatest NBA coaches ever — no arguments there. Known for his strict style and no-nonsense demeanor, Brown led the 2004-2005 Detroit Pistons to an NBA Championship, proving that discipline and strategy can pay off in big ways.

7. Don Nelson

Coming in at number seven is Don Nelson, a true innovator in basketball. He’s known for emphasizing offensive play and popularizing small-ball lineups that have transformed the game.

Sitting just behind Gregg Popovich as the second-winningest coach in NBA history with 1,335 wins, Nelson found success with nearly every team he coached, including the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks.

8. Erik Spoelstra

After Pat Riley’s tenure in Miami, the torch was passed to Erik Spoelstra, and the championship wins just kept coming. Rising through the Miami Heat organization ranks, Spoelstra has proven himself as a top-tier coach, snagging two NBA championships and consistently guiding his team to the playoffs.

What sets Spoelstra apart is his adaptability and deep understanding of modern basketball, which make him one of the best NBA coaches of all time.

9. Jerry Sloan

Jerry Sloan should immediately pop into your head when you hear, see, or think about the Utah Jazz. Coaching the Jazz for an incredible 23 seasons, Sloan led the team to the playoffs 19 times and made two NBA Finals appearances.

His tough, straightforward approach made him a beloved figure in Utah and earned him deep respect throughout the league. Even today, he’s considered one of the most respected and best NBA basketball coaches.

10. Doc Rivers

Hitting the halfway point on this list is none other than Doc Rivers. This guy has found success with multiple teams, but most of his accolades come from his time with the Boston Celtics, where he clinched an NBA title in 2008.

Currently the eighth-winningest coach in NBA history with 1,116 wins and counting, Doc Rivers has proven he knows how to get the job done. Whether rallying his players or making those tough calls in crunch time, Doc has made his mark on the game and continues to be a force in the league.

11. Rick Carlisle

Rick Carlisle is just a little behind Doc Rivers in all-time wins, building on 945 career victories and counting. Carlisle has enjoyed a successful coaching career, with his time leading the Dallas Mavericks being the standout highlight.

Carlisle orchestrated the Mavs’ incredible run to an NBA championship in 2011, proving he knows how to get results when it counts.

12. Mike D’Antoni

Mike D’Antoni revolutionized basketball with his “Seven Seconds or Less” offense in Phoenix. Known for his fast-paced and elusive plays, his coaching style has been a game-changer, influencing countless teams and players across the league still today.

D’Antoni’s approach solidified his coaching career and transformed the game today. By prioritizing quick shots and an up-tempo style, he paved the way for modern offensive strategies that continue to resonate in the NBA today.

13. Mike Budenholzer

Learning under Gregg Popovich’s tutelage, Mike Budenholzer has emerged as one of the league’s great NBA coaches. He clinched an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, showcasing his knack for adapting and strategizing effectively.

Budenholzer’s ability to think on his feet and tweak his game plans has earned him recognition as one of the best coaches in the game today. Whether it’s making crucial adjustments during the playoffs or finding ways to maximize his players’ strengths, he knows how to get the job done

14. Frank Vogel

Frank Vogel is one coach you might forget about, but he deserves a spot on this list. His defensive-minded game plan was pivotal in the Indiana Pacers’ success, leading them to several Eastern Conference Finals appearances.

Later, Vogel accepted a coaching opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers, and in 2020, he guided the Lakers to an NBA championship. With a knack for building strong defensive strategies, Vogel has proven he can adapt and succeed at the game’s highest levels.

15. Bill Russell

Bill Russell is often remembered for his legendary playing career, but his impact as a coach is just as noteworthy. He took the helm of the Boston Celtics in 1966 and led the team to two more championships in 1968 and 1969, proving that his greatness extended beyond just being on the court.

Russell’s coaching style reflected his playing philosophy—he was all about defense, teamwork, and relentless effort. With his unique ability to connect with his players and deep understanding of the game, Russell not only kept the Celtics at the top but also set a standard for future coaches.

16. Nate McMillan

Standing tall with 760 wins on his coaching resume, there’s no way we could overlook Nate McMillan. McMillan has proven his coaching abilities across various roles, especially with the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers, consistently leading his teams to the playoffs.

McMillan has built a reputation for emphasizing strong defensive play, knowing that a solid defense can win games. His ability to adapt to different rosters and cultivate a winning culture made him a force in the coaching world.

17. Kevin McHale

Like Russell, Kevin McHale may be best known for playing with the Boston Celtics, but he also made a significant impact as a coach. He led the Houston Rockets to the playoffs multiple times and has a career-winning percentage of 55%.

18. Tom Thibodeau

Who can forget ‘Thibs’? Known for his intense coaching style and emphasis on defensive discipline, Tom Thibodeau has built a reputation for getting the most out of his players. He’s led teams like the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks to multiple playoff appearances and even the Conference Finals.

Famous for his commitment to defense, Thibodeau is often regarded as a defensive mastermind, capable of making adjustments that can jam up even the most potent offenses. With his consistent ability to turn teams into playoff contenders, it’s no surprise that many fans are eager to bet on NBA coach of the year when considering Thibodeau’s chances.

19. Stan Van Gundy

Stan Van Gundy is a top coach in his own right, known for his knack for developing players and crafting explosive offensive systems. He’s not just about the X’s and O’s — he’s a coach who knows how to bring out the best in his players.

Taking the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic to the playoffs, Van Gundy showcased his impact as one of the great NBA coaches.

20. Billy Cunningham

Lastly, let’s talk about Billy Cunningham. While he made a name for himself as a two-time NBA All-Star, his coaching career was also solid. Cunningham led his former team, the 76ers, to an NBA championship in 1983, proving he knew how to get it done from the sidelines and on the court.

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