List of NBA head coaches with 400 games coached
Gregg Popovich was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. Popovich leads the NBA for the most regular season game wins.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a major professional basketball league in North America. It was founded in 1946 as the Basketball Association of America (BAA).[ 1] The league adopted its current name at the start of the 1949–50 season when it merged with the National Basketball League (NBL).[ 2] The league consists of 30 teams, of which 29 are located in the United States and one in Canada.
In the NBA, a head coach is the highest ranking coach of a coaching staff . They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than the assistant coaches. Lenny Wilkens has coached the most regular season games. He has coached 2,487 games with six teams in 32 seasons. Gregg Popovich has won the most regular season games with 1,388. Don Nelson , Bill Fitch , Jerry Sloan and Larry Brown are the only other coaches who have coached more than 2,000 regular season games. 33 other head coaches have coached more than 1,000 regular season games. Three of those coaches, Popovich, Al Attles and Erik Spoelstra , have spent their entire coaching career with one team. Popovich has coached 2,209 regular season games with the San Antonio Spurs in his 28-year career, Attles has coached 1,075 regular season games with the Warriors franchise in his 14-year career, and Spoelstra has coached 1,230 regular season games with the Miami Heat in his 16-year career.
As of April 14, 2024, Popovich has the most regular season games coached (2,209) with one team, during his 28-year career with the San Antonio Spurs . He also has the record of most game wins when combining regular season and postseason games with 1,558 wins. Larry Brown has coached 9 different teams, the highest number of teams coached among the head coaches.[ 3]
Former Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson won 11 NBA championships , the most in NBA history. He is the only coach who has won multiple championships with multiple teams. He won six titles with the Bulls and five titles with the Lakers. He also leads the NBA for the most postseason games coached and the most postseason wins. Red Auerbach won nine championships with the Boston Celtics . He won his first title in 1957 before winning eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966 . John Kundla , Pat Riley and current Spurs head coach Popovich have each won five championships. Popovich won all of his titles coaching the Spurs as Kundla won all of his titles with the Lakers, while Riley won four titles with the Lakers and one with the Miami Heat . Nelson, Popovich and Riley each won the Coach of the Year Award three times, while Fitch, Hubie Brown , Mike Budenholzer , Mike D'Antoni , Cotton Fitzsimmons , Gene Shue and Tom Thibodeau have each won it twice. 27 NBA head coaches (Rick Adelman , Red Auerbach , Larry Brown , John Calipari , Chuck Daly , Bill Fitch , Cotton Fitzsimmons , Alex Hannum , Tom Heinsohn , Red Holzman , Phil Jackson , Alvin Julian , John Kundla , Bobby Leonard , Ken Loeffler , Frank McGuire , Don Nelson , Rick Pitino , Gregg Popovich , Jack Ramsay , Pat Riley , Bill Russell , Bill Sharman , Jerry Sloan , Jerry Tarkanian , Rudy Tomjanovich and Lenny Wilkens ) have earned induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach .[ 4] [ 5] Auerbach, Daly, Fitch, Holzman, Jackson, Kundla, Nelson, Ramsay, Riley and Wilkens were named in the list of Top 10 Coaches in NBA History announced at the league's 50th anniversary in 1996.[ 6] Larry Brown, Popovich, Sloan, Spoelstra, K. C. Jones , Steve Kerr , and Doc Rivers joined Auerbach, Daly, Holzman, Jackson, Nelson, Ramsay, Riley and Wilkens on the updated list of 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA History , announced during the league's 75th anniversary in 2021.[ 7]
This list includes all head coaches who have coached at least 400 games in the NBA or BAA. The list does not include games in the American Basketball Association (ABA) for head coaches who coached in the ABA prior to the ABA–NBA merger .
Key
List
Note: Statistics are correct through December 27, 2024 .
Coach
Team(s) coached (years)[a]
Yrs
GC
W
L
Win%
GC
W
L
Win%
Championships won [b]
Coach of the Year award(s) won[a]
Ref.
Regular season
Playoffs
Rick Adelman *
• Portland Trail Blazers (1989 –1994 ) • Golden State Warriors (1996 –1997 ) • Sacramento Kings (1998 –2006 ) • Houston Rockets (2007 –2011 ) • Minnesota Timberwolves (2011 –2014 )
23
1,791
1,042
749
.582
157
79
78
.503
None
None
[ 8]
Stan Albeck
• Cleveland Cavaliers (1979–1980 ) • San Antonio Spurs (1980 –1983 ) • New Jersey Nets (1983 –1985 ) • Chicago Bulls (1985–1986 )
7
574
307
267
.535
44
18
26
.409
None
None
[ 9]
Al Attles *
• San Francisco / Golden State Warriors (1970 –1982 )
14
1,075
557
518
.518
61
31
30
.508
1 (1975 )
None
[ 10]
Red Auerbach *
• Washington Capitols (1946 –1949 ) • Tri-Cities Blackhawks (1949–1950 ) • Boston Celtics (1950 –1966 )
20
1,417
938
479
.662
168
99
69
.589
9 (1957 , 1959 , 1960 , 1961 , 1962 , 1963 , 1964 , 1965 , 1966 )
1 (1965 )
[ 11]
Bernie Bickerstaff
• Seattle SuperSonics (1985 –1990 ) • Denver Nuggets (1995 –1996 ) • Washington Bullets / Wizards (1997 –1999 ) • Charlotte Bobcats (2004 –2007 ) • Los Angeles Lakers (2012 )
14
937
419
518
.447
33
12
21
.364
None
None
[ 12]
J. B. Bickerstaff ^
• Houston Rockets (2015–2016 ) • Memphis Grizzlies (2017 –2019 ) • Cleveland Cavaliers (2020 –2024 ) • Detroit Pistons (2024 –present)
9
576
269
307
.467
22
7
15
.318
None
None
[ 13]
Allan Bristow
• Charlotte Hornets (1991 –1996 )
5
410
207
203
.505
13
5
8
.385
None
None
[ 14]
Scott Brooks
• Oklahoma City Thunder (2008 –2015 ) • Washington Wizards (2016 –2021 )
12
935
521
414
.557
97
49
48
.505
None
1 (2010 )
[ 15]
Brett Brown
• Philadelphia 76ers (2013 –2020 )
7
565
221
344
.391
26
12
14
.462
None
None
[ 16]
Hubie Brown *
• Atlanta Hawks (1976 –1981 ) • New York Knicks (1982 –1987 ) • Memphis Grizzlies (2002 –2004 )
13
919
424
495
.461
38
14
24
.368
None
2 (1978 , 2004 )
[ 17]
Larry Brown *
• Denver Nuggets (1976 –1979 ) • New Jersey Nets (1981 –1983 ) • San Antonio Spurs (1988 –1992 ) • Los Angeles Clippers (1992 –1993 ) • Indiana Pacers (1993 –1997 ) • Philadelphia 76ers (1997 –2003 ) • Detroit Pistons (2003 –2005 ) • New York Knicks (2005–2006 ) • Charlotte Bobcats (2008 –2010 )
26
2,002
1,098
904
.548
193
100
93
.518
1 (2004 )
1 (2001 )
[ 18]
Mike Brown
• Cleveland Cavaliers (2005 –2010 , 2013–2014 ) • Los Angeles Lakers (2011 –2012 ) • Sacramento Kings (2022 –2024 )
11
758
454
304
.599
90
50
40
.556
None
2 (2009 , 2023 )
[ 19]
Mike Budenholzer ^
• Atlanta Hawks (2013 –2018 ) • Milwaukee Bucks (2018 –2023 ) • Phoenix Suns (2024 –present)
11
830
499
331
.601
104
56
48
.538
1 (2021 )
2 (2015 , 2019 )
[ 20]
P. J. Carlesimo
• Portland Trail Blazers (1994 –1997 ) • Golden State Warriors (1997 –1999 ) • Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder (2007 –2008 ) • Brooklyn Nets (2012–2013 )
9
554
239
315
.431
19
6
13
.316
None
None
[ 21]
Rick Carlisle ^
• Detroit Pistons (2001 –2003 ) • Indiana Pacers (2003 –2007 , 2021 –present) • Dallas Mavericks (2008 –2021 )
23
1,802
958
844
.532
150
71
79
.473
1 (2011 )
1 (2002 )
[ 22]
Dwane Casey
• Minnesota Timberwolves (2005 –2007 ) • Toronto Raptors (2011 –2018 ) • Detroit Pistons (2018 –2023 )
14
1,064
494
570
.464
55
21
34
.382
None
1 (2018 )
[ 23]
Al Cervi
• Syracuse Nationals (1949 –1956 ) • Philadelphia Warriors (1958–1959 )
9
567
326
241
.575
59
33
26
.559
1 (1955 )
None
[ 24]
Don Chaney
• Los Angeles Clippers (1985 –1987 ) • Houston Rockets (1988 –1992 ) • Detroit Pistons (1993 –1995 ) • New York Knicks (2001 –2004 )
12
831
337
494
.406
11
2
9
.182
None
1 (1991 )
[ 25]
Maurice Cheeks
• Portland Trail Blazers (2001 –2004 ) • Philadelphia 76ers (2005 –2008 ) • Detroit Pistons (2013–2014 )
9
620
305
315
.492
16
5
11
.313
None
None
[ 26]
Steve Clifford
• Charlotte Bobcats / Hornets (2013 –2018 , 2022 –2024 ) • Orlando Magic (2018 –2021 )
10
801
340
461
.424
21
5
16
.238
None
None
[ 27]
Doug Collins *
• Chicago Bulls (1986 –1989 ) • Detroit Pistons (1995 –1998 ) • Washington Wizards (2001 –2003 ) • Philadelphia 76ers (2010 –2013 )
11
849
442
407
.521
56
23
33
.411
None
None
[ 28]
Larry Costello *
• Milwaukee Bucks (1968 –1976 ) • Chicago Bulls (1978–1979 )
10
730
430
300
.589
60
37
23
.617
1 (1971 )
None
[ 29]
Billy Cunningham
• Philadelphia 76ers (1977 –1985 )
8
650
454
196
.698
105
66
39
.629
1 (1983 )
None
[ 30]
Mike D'Antoni
• Denver Nuggets (1998–1999 ) • Phoenix Suns (2003 –2008 ) • New York Knicks (2008 –2012 ) • Los Angeles Lakers (2012 –2014 ) • Houston Rockets (2016 –2020 )
16
1,199
672
527
.560
110
54
56
.491
None
2 (2005 , 2017 )
[ 31]
Chuck Daly *
• Cleveland Cavaliers (1981–1982 ) • Detroit Pistons (1983 –1992 ) • New Jersey Nets (1992 –1994 ) • Orlando Magic (1997 –1999 )
14
1,075
638
437
.593
126
75
51
.595
2 (1989 , 1990 )
None
[ 32]
Billy Donovan ^
• Oklahoma City Thunder (2015 –2020 ) • Chicago Bulls (2020 –present)
10
749
412
337
.550
46
19
27
.413
None
None
[ 33]
Mike Dunleavy
• Los Angeles Lakers (1990 –1992 ) • Milwaukee Bucks (1992 –1996 ) • Portland Trail Blazers (1997 –2001 ) • Los Angeles Clippers (2003 –2010 )
17
1,329
613
716
.461
71
38
33
.535
None
1 (1999 )
[ 34]
Bill Fitch *
• Cleveland Cavaliers (1970 –1979 ) • Boston Celtics (1979 –1983 ) • Houston Rockets (1983 –1988 ) • New Jersey Nets (1989 –1992 ) • Los Angeles Clippers (1994 –1998 )
25
2,050
944
1,106
.460
109
55
54
.505
1 (1981 )
2 (1976 , 1980 )
[ 35]
Cotton Fitzsimmons *
• Phoenix Suns (1970 –1972 , 1988 –1992 , 1996 ) • Atlanta Hawks (1972 –1976 ) • Buffalo Braves (1977–1978 ) • Kansas City Kings (1978 –1984 ) • San Antonio Spurs (1984 –1986 )
21
1,607
832
775
.518
84
35
49
.417
None
2 (1979 , 1989 )
[ 36]
Chris Ford
• Boston Celtics (1990 –1995 ) • Milwaukee Bucks (1996 –1998 ) • Los Angeles Clippers (1998 –2000 ) • Philadelphia 76ers (2004 )
10
699
323
376
.462
29
13
16
.448
None
None
[ 37]
Lawrence Frank
• New Jersey Nets (2004 –2009 ) • Detroit Pistons (2011 –2013 )
9
614
279
335
.454
38
18
20
.474
None
None
[ 38]
Mike Fratello
• Atlanta Hawks (1981 , 1983 –1990 ) • Cleveland Cavaliers (1993 –1999 ) • Memphis Grizzlies (2004 –2006 )
17
1,215
667
548
.549
62
20
42
.323
None
1 (1986 )
[ 39]
Alvin Gentry
• Miami Heat (1995 ) • Detroit Pistons (1998 –2000 ) • Los Angeles Clippers (2000 –2003 ) • Phoenix Suns (2009 –2013 ) • New Orleans Pelicans (2015 –2020 ) • Sacramento Kings (2021–2022 )
18
1,170
534
636
.456
30
17
13
.567
None
None
[ 40]
Edward Gottlieb
• Philadelphia Warriors (1946 –1955 )
9
581
263
318
.453
32
15
17
.469
1 (1947 )
None
[ 41]
Richie Guerin
• St. Louis / Atlanta Hawks (1964 –1972 )
8
618
327
291
.529
60
26
34
.433
None
1 (1968 )
[ 42]
Matt Guokas
• Philadelphia 76ers (1985 –1988 ) • Orlando Magic (1989 –1993 )
7
535
230
305
.430
17
8
9
.471
None
None
[ 43]
Alex Hannum *
• St. Louis Hawks (1957 –1958 ) • Syracuse Nationals / Philadelphia 76ers (1960 –1963 , 1966 –1968 ) • San Francisco Warriors (1963 –1966 ) • San Diego Rockets (1969 –1971 )
12
883
471
412
.533
79
45
34
.570
2 (1958 , 1967 )
1 (1964 )
[ 44]
Del Harris *
• Houston Rockets (1979 –1983 ) • Milwaukee Bucks (1987 –1991 ) • Los Angeles Lakers (1994 –1999 )
14
1,013
556
457
.549
88
38
50
.432
None
1 (1995 )
[ 45]
Les Harrison *
• Rochester Royals (1948 –1955 )
7
476
295
181
.620
38
19
19
.500
1 (1951 )
None
[ 46]
Tom Heinsohn *
• Boston Celtics (1969 –1978 )
9
690
427
263
.619
80
47
33
.588
2 (1974 , 1976 )
1 (1973 )
[ 47]
Bob Hill
• New York Knicks (1986–1987 ) • Indiana Pacers (1990 –1993 ) • San Antonio Spurs (1994 –1996 ) • Seattle SuperSonics (2006 –2007 )
9
603
310
293
.514
37
17
20
.459
None
None
[ 48]
Brian Hill
• Orlando Magic (1993 –1997 , 2005 –2007 ) • Vancouver Grizzlies (1997 –1999 )
9
613
298
315
.486
40
18
22
.450
None
None
[ 49]
Lionel Hollins
• Vancouver / Memphis Grizzlies (1999–2000 , 2004 , 2009 –2013 ) • Brooklyn Nets (2014 –2016 )
9
534
262
272
.491
41
20
21
.488
None
None
[ 50]
Red Holzman *
• Milwaukee / St. Louis Hawks (1954 –1957 ) • New York Knicks (1967 –1977 , 1978 –1982 )
18
1,300
696
604
.535
105
58
47
.552
2 (1970 , 1973 )
1 (1970 )
[ 51]
Phil Jackson *
• Chicago Bulls (1989 –1998 ) • Los Angeles Lakers (1999 –2004 , 2005 –2011 )
20
1,640
1,155
485
.704
333
229
104
.688
11 (1991 , 1992 , 1993 , 1996 , 1997 , 1998 , 2000 , 2001 , 2002 , 2009 , 2010 )
1 (1996 )
[ 52]
Taylor Jenkins ^
• Memphis Grizzlies (2019 –present)
6
422
227
195
.538
23
9
14
.391
None
None
[ 53]
Dave Joerger
• Memphis Grizzlies (2013 –2016 ) • Sacramento Kings (2016 –2019 )
6
492
245
247
.498
22
9
13
.409
None
None
[ 54]
Avery Johnson
• Dallas Mavericks (2005 –2008 ) • New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets (2010 –2012 )
7
440
254
186
.577
47
23
24
.489
None
1 (2006 )
[ 55]
Phil Johnson
• Kansas City-Omaha / Kansas City / Sacramento Kings (1973 –1978 , 1984 –1987 ) • Chicago Bulls (1982 )
9
543
236
307
.435
9
2
7
.222
None
1 (1975 )
[ 56]
K. C. Jones
• Capital / Washington Bullets (1973 –1976 ) • Boston Celtics (1983 –1988 ) • Seattle SuperSonics (1990 –1992 )
10
774
522
252
.674
138
81
57
.587
2 (1984 , 1986 )
None
[ 57]
Eddie Jordan
• Sacramento Kings (1997 –1998 ) • Washington Wizards (2003 –2008 ) • Philadelphia 76ers (2009–2010 )
9
600
257
343
.428
26
8
18
.308
None
None
[ 58]
George Karl *
• Cleveland Cavaliers (1984 –1986 ) • Golden State Warriors (1986 –1988 ) • Seattle SuperSonics (1992 –1998 ) • Milwaukee Bucks (1998 –2003 ) • Denver Nuggets (2005 –2013 ) • Sacramento Kings (2015 –2016 )
27
1,999
1,175
824
.588
185
80
105
.432
None
1 (2013 )
[ 59]
Steve Kerr ^
• Golden State Warriors (2014 –present)
11
822
534
288
.650
140
99
41
.707
4 (2015 , 2017 , 2018 , 2022 )
1 (2016 )
[ 60]
Jason Kidd ^
• Brooklyn Nets (2013–2014 ) • Milwaukee Bucks (2014 –2018 ) • Dallas Mavericks (2021 –present)
9
649
342
307
.527
64
31
33
.484
None
None
[ 61]
John Kundla *
• Minneapolis Lakers (1948 –1958 , 1958–1959 )
11
725
423
302
.583
95
60
35
.632
5 (1949 , 1950 , 1952 , 1953 , 1954 )
None
[ 62]
Joe Lapchick
• New York Knicks (1947 –1956 )
9
573
326
247
.569
60
30
30
.500
None
None
[ 63]
Frank Layden
• Utah Jazz (1981 –1988 )
8
571
277
294
.485
41
18
23
.439
None
1 (1984 )
[ 64]
Bobby Leonard *
• Chicago Zephyrs / Baltimore Bullets (1962 –1964 ) • Indiana Pacers (1976 –1980 )
6
450
186
264
.413
0
0
0
.000
None
None
[ 65]
Kevin Loughery
• Philadelphia 76ers (1973 ) • New York / New Jersey Nets (1976 –1980 ) • Atlanta Hawks (1981 –1983 ) • Chicago Bulls (1983 –1985 ) • Washington Bullets (1986 –1988 ) • Miami Heat (1991 –1995 )
17
1,136
474
662
.417
27
6
21
.222
None
None
[ 66]
John Lucas
• San Antonio Spurs (1992 –1994 ) • Philadelphia 76ers (1994 –1996 ) • Cleveland Cavaliers (2001 –2003 )
6
431
173
258
.401
14
6
8
.429
None
None
[ 67]
Tyronn Lue ^
• Cleveland Cavaliers (2016 –2018 ) • Los Angeles Clippers (2020 –present)
9
559
329
230
.589
91
54
37
.593
1 (2016 )
None
[ 68]
Jim Lynam
• San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers (1983 –1985 ) • Philadelphia 76ers (1988 –1992 ) • Washington Bullets (1994 –1997 )
10
720
328
392
.456
21
8
13
.381
None
None
[ 69]
John MacLeod
• Phoenix Suns (1973 –1987 ) • Dallas Mavericks (1987 –1989 ) • New York Knicks (1990–1991 )
18
1,364
707
657
.518
101
47
54
.465
None
None
[ 70]
Michael Malone ^
• Sacramento Kings (2013 –2014 ) • Denver Nuggets (2015 –present)
12
853
479
374
.562
80
44
36
.550
1 (2023 )
None
[ 71]
Dick McGuire
• Detroit Pistons (1959 –1963 ) • New York Knicks (1965 –1967 )
7
457
197
260
.431
25
9
16
.360
None
None
[ 72]
Kevin McHale
• Minnesota Timberwolves (2005 , 2008–2009 ) • Houston Rockets (2011 –2015 )
7
417
232
185
.556
29
13
16
.448
None
None
[ 73]
Jack McMahon
• Chicago Zephyrs (1962 ) • Cincinnati Royals (1963 –1967 ) • San Diego Rockets (1967 –1969 )
8
549
260
289
.474
29
10
19
.345
None
None
[ 74]
Nate McMillan
• Seattle SuperSonics (2000 –2005 ) • Portland Trail Blazers (2005 –2012 ) • Indiana Pacers (2016 –2020 ) • Atlanta Hawks (2021 –2023 )
19
1,428
760
668
.532
76
28
48
.368
None
None
[ 75]
Sam Mitchell
• Toronto Raptors (2004 –2008 ) • Minnesota Timberwolves (2015–2016 )
6
427
185
242
.433
11
3
8
.273
None
1 (2007 )
[ 76]
Doug Moe
• San Antonio Spurs (1976 –1980 ) • Denver Nuggets (1980 –1990 ) • Philadelphia 76ers (1992–1993 )
15
1,157
628
529
.543
83
33
50
.398
None
1 (1988 )
[ 77]
Dick Motta
• Chicago Bulls (1968 –1976 ) • Washington Bullets (1976 –1980 ) • Dallas Mavericks (1980 –1987 , 1994 –1996 ) • Sacramento Kings (1990 –1991 ) • Denver Nuggets (1996–1997 )
25
1,952
935
1,017
.479
126
56
70
.444
1 (1978 )
1 (1971 )
[ 78]
Don Nelson *
• Milwaukee Bucks (1976 –1987 ) • Golden State Warriors (1988 –1995 , 2006 –2010 ) • New York Knicks (1995–1996 ) • Dallas Mavericks (1997 –2005 )
31
2,398
1,335
1,063
.557
166
75
91
.452
None
3 (1983 , 1985 , 1992 )
[ 79]
Tom Nissalke
• Seattle SuperSonics (1972–1973 ) • Houston Rockets (1976 –1979 ) • Utah Jazz (1979 –1981 ) • Cleveland Cavaliers (1982 –1984 )
9
639
248
391
.388
14
6
8
.429
None
1 (1977 )
[ 80]
Nick Nurse ^
• Toronto Raptors (2018 –2023 ) • Philadelphia 76ers (2023 –present)
7
500
285
215
.570
47
27
20
.574
1 (2019 )
1 (2020 )
[ 81]
Jim O'Brien
• Boston Celtics (2001 –2004 ) • Philadelphia 76ers (2004–2005 ) • Indiana Pacers (2007 –2011 )
9
630
303
327
.481
31
14
17
.452
None
None
[ 82]
Rick Pitino *
• New York Knicks (1987 –1989 ) • Boston Celtics (1997 –2001 )
6
412
192
220
.466
13
6
7
.462
None
None
[ 83]
Gregg Popovich ^*
• San Antonio Spurs (1996 –present)
29
2,239
1,403
836
.627
284
170
114
.599
5 (1999 , 2003 , 2005 , 2007 , 2014 )
3 (2003 , 2012 , 2014 )
[ 84]
Jack Ramsay *
• Philadelphia 76ers (1969 –1972 ) • Buffalo Braves (1973 –1976 ) • Portland Trail Blazers (1977 –1986 ) • Indiana Pacers (1986 –1988 )
21
1,647
864
783
.525
102
44
58
.431
1 (1977 )
None
[ 85]
Pat Riley *
• Los Angeles Lakers (1981 –1990 ) • New York Knicks (1991 –1995 ) • Miami Heat (1995 –2003 , 2005 –2008 )
24
1,904
1,210
694
.636
282
171
111
.606
5 (1982 , 1985 , 1987 , 1988 , 2006 )
3 (1990 , 1993 , 1997 )
[ 86]
Doc Rivers ^
• Orlando Magic (1999 –2003 ) • Boston Celtics (2004 –2013 ) • Los Angeles Clippers (2013 –2020 ) • Philadelphia 76ers (2020 –2023 ) • Milwaukee Bucks (2024 –present)
26
1,925
1,130
795
.587
221
113
108
.511
1 (2008 )
1 (2000 )
[ 87]
Bill Russell *
• Boston Celtics (1966 –1969 ) • Seattle SuperSonics (1973 –1977 ) • Sacramento Kings (1987–1988 )
8
631
341
290
.540
61
34
27
.557
2 (1968 , 1969 )
None
[ 88]
Flip Saunders
• Minnesota Timberwolves (1995 –2005 , 2014–2015 ) • Detroit Pistons (2005 –2008 ) • Washington Wizards (2009 –2012 )
17
1,246
654
592
.525
98
47
51
.480
None
None
[ 89]
Fred Schaus
• Los Angeles Lakers (1960 –1967 )
7
560
315
245
.563
71
33
38
.465
None
None
[ 90]
Byron Scott
• New Jersey Nets (2000 –2004 ) • New Orleans Hornets (2004 –2009 ) • Cleveland Cavaliers (2010 –2013 ) • Los Angeles Lakers (2014 –2016 )
15
1,101
454
647
.412
57
33
24
.579
None
1 (2008 )
[ 91]
Paul Seymour
• Syracuse Nationals (1956 –1960 ) • St. Louis Hawks (1960 –1961 ) • Baltimore Bullets (1965–1966 ) • Detroit Pistons (1968–1969 )
8
512
271
241
.529
35
14
21
.400
None
None
[ 92]
Bill Sharman *
• San Francisco Warriors (1966 –1968 ) • Los Angeles Lakers (1971 –1976 )
7
573
333
240
.581
62
35
27
.565
1 (1972 )
1 (1972 )
[ 93]
Gene Shue
• Baltimore / Washington Bullets (1966 –1973 , 1980 –1986 ) • Philadelphia 76ers (1973 –1977 ) • San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers (1978 –1979 , 1987 –1989 )
22
1,645
784
861
.477
77
30
47
.390
None
2 (1969 , 1982 )
[ 94]
Paul Silas
• San Diego Clippers (1980 –1983 ) • Charlotte Hornets / Bobcats (1999 –2002 , 2010 –2012 ) • New Orleans Hornets (2002–2003 ) • Cleveland Cavaliers (2003 –2005 )
12
875
387
488
.442
29
13
16
.448
None
None
[ 95]
Scott Skiles
• Phoenix Suns (1999 –2002 ) • Chicago Bulls (2003 –2007 ) • Milwaukee Bucks (2008 –2013 ) • Orlando Magic (2015–2016 )
14
958
478
480
.499
42
18
24
.429
None
None
[ 96]
Jerry Sloan *
• Chicago Bulls (1979 –1982 ) • Utah Jazz (1988 –2011 )
26
2,024
1,221
803
.603
202
98
104
.485
None
None
[ 97]
Quin Snyder ^
• Utah Jazz (2014 –2022 ) • Atlanta Hawks (2023 –present)
11
770
434
336
.564
57
23
34
.404
None
None
[ 98]
Erik Spoelstra ^
• Miami Heat (2008 –present)
17
1,305
765
540
.586
189
110
79
.582
2 (2012 , 2013 )
None
[ 99]
Garry St. Jean
• Sacramento Kings (1992 –1997 ) • Golden State Warriors (1999–2000 )
6
450
172
278
.382
4
1
3
.250
None
None
[ 100]
Brad Stevens
• Boston Celtics (2013 –2021 )
8
636
354
282
.557
78
38
40
.487
None
None
[ 101]
Terry Stotts
• Atlanta Hawks (2002 –2004 ) • Milwaukee Bucks (2005 –2007 ) • Portland Trail Blazers (2012 –2021 )
13
1,003
517
486
.515
67
23
44
.343
None
None
[ 102]
Tom Thibodeau ^
• Chicago Bulls (2010 –2015 ) • Minnesota Timberwolves (2016 –2019 ) • New York Knicks (2020 –present)
13
946
547
399
.578
85
38
47
.447
None
2 (2011 , 2021 )
[ 103]
Isiah Thomas
• Indiana Pacers (2000 –2003 ) • New York Knicks (2006 –2008 )
5
410
187
223
.456
15
5
10
.333
None
None
[ 104]
Rudy Tomjanovich *
• Houston Rockets (1992 –2003 ) • Los Angeles Lakers (2004–2005 )
13
943
527
416
.559
90
51
39
.567
2 (1994 , 1995 )
None
[ 105]
Wes Unseld
• Washington Bullets (1988 –1994 )
7
547
202
345
.369
5
2
3
.400
None
None
[ 106]
Butch van Breda Kolff
• Los Angeles Lakers (1967 –1969 ) • Detroit Pistons (1969 –1971 ) • Phoenix Suns (1972 ) • New Orleans Jazz (1974 –1976 )
9
519
266
253
.513
33
21
12
.636
None
None
[ 107]
Jeff Van Gundy
• New York Knicks (1996 –2001 ) • Houston Rockets (2003 –2007 )
11
748
430
318
.575
88
44
44
.500
None
None
[ 108]
Stan Van Gundy
• Miami Heat (2003 –2005 ) • Orlando Magic (2007 –2012 ) • Detroit Pistons (2014 –2018 ) • New Orleans Pelicans (2020–2021 )
13
979
554
425
.566
91
48
43
.527
None
None
[ 109]
Frank Vogel
• Indiana Pacers (2011 –2016 ) • Orlando Magic (2016 –2018 ) • Los Angeles Lakers (2019 –2022 ) • Phoenix Suns (2023–2024 )
12
902
480
422
.532
92
49
43
.533
1 (2020 )
None
[ 110]
Luke Walton
• Los Angeles Lakers (2016 –2019 ) • Sacramento Kings (2019 –2021 )
6
407
166
241
.408
0
0
0
.000
None
None
[ 111]
Bob Weiss
• San Antonio Spurs (1986 –1988 ) • Atlanta Hawks (1990 –1993 ) • Los Angeles Clippers (1993–1994 ) • Seattle SuperSonics (2005–2006 )
7
522
223
299
.427
11
2
9
.182
None
None
[ 112]
Paul Westhead
• Los Angeles Lakers (1979 –1981 ) • Chicago Bulls (1982–1983 ) • Denver Nuggets (1990 –1992 )
6
407
183
224
.450
19
13
6
.684
1 (1980 )
None
[ 113]
Paul Westphal
• Phoenix Suns (1992 –1996 ) • Seattle SuperSonics (1998 –2000 ) • Sacramento Kings (2009 –2011 )
10
597
318
279
.533
49
27
22
.551
None
None
[ 114]
Lenny Wilkens *
• Seattle SuperSonics (1969 –1972 , 1977 –1985 ) • Portland Trail Blazers (1974 –1976 ) • Cleveland Cavaliers (1986 –1993 ) • Atlanta Hawks (1993 –2000 ) • Toronto Raptors (2000 –2003 ) • New York Knicks (2004 –2005 )
32
2,487
1,332
1,155
.536
178
80
98
.449
1 (1979 )
1 (1994 )
[ 115]
Monty Williams
• New Orleans Hornets / Pelicans (2010 –2015 ) • Phoenix Suns (2019 –2023 ) • Detroit Pistons (2023–2024 )
10
785
381
404
.485
56
29
27
.518
None
1 (2022 )
[ 116]
Randy Wittman
• Cleveland Cavaliers (1999 –2001 ) • Minnesota Timberwolves (2007 –2008 ) • Washington Wizards (2012 –2016 )
10
684
278
406
.406
21
12
9
.571
None
None
[ 117]
Mike Woodson
• Atlanta Hawks (2004 –2010 ) • New York Knicks (2012 –2014 )
9
680
315
365
.463
46
18
28
.391
None
None
[ 118]
Playoff series
Below is a list of the most playoff series by a coach (minimum 20 or more playoff series). Phil Jackson , who appeared in 20 playoffs, coached the most series with 65, and won the most with 56. However, Gregg Popovich and George Karl actually made the most playoff appearances at 22. Karl has the most losses, having lost a series in each of his 22 appearances without winning a championship. Jerry Sloan coached the most playoff series without winning a championship with 40, compiling 20 wins and 20 losses. Steve Kerr owns the highest win percentage at 88.5%, and Jack Ramsay owns the lowest win percentage at 31.8%. Note that the playoff format has expanded over time. Results from the NBA play-in tournament are not counted.
Phil Jackson has won more playoff series and coached more playoff series than any other coach.
Notes
References
General
Specific
^ Goldaper, Sam. "The First Game" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on September 7, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2010 .
^ "1949–50 Season Overview: Powerful Lakers Repeat" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2010 .
^ "Brown: Jordan wants to buy Bobcats" . ESPN.com . February 15, 2010. Retrieved August 4, 2010 .
^ "Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductees" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 4, 2010 .
^ "Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees" . Retrieved April 7, 2019 .
^ "Top 10 Coaches in NBA History" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on February 9, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2010 .
^ "NBA 75: Top 15 coaches in league history revealed" . NBA.com . February 8, 2022.
^ "Rick Adelman Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Stan Albeck Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 10, 2010 .
^ "Al Attles Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 16, 2010 .
^ "Red Auerbach Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 19, 2010 .
^ "Bernie Bickerstaff Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 17, 2010 .
^ "J.B. Bickerstaff Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved February 27, 2023 .
^ "Allan Bristow Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 9, 2010 .
^ "Scott Brooks Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 17, 2014 .
^ "Brett Brown Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 12, 2018 .
^ "Hubie Brown Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 17, 2010 .
^ "Larry Brown Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved October 22, 2011 .
^ "Mike Brown Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Mike Budenholzer Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 12, 2018 .
^ "P. J. Carlesimo Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 4, 2010 .
^ "Rick Carlisle Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Dwane Casey Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 16, 2015 .
^ "Al Cervi Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved July 29, 2010 .
^ "Don Chaney Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 17, 2010 .
^ "Maurice Cheeks Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved July 29, 2010 .
^ "Steve Clifford Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 12, 2018 .
^ "Doug Collins Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Larry Costello Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 17, 2010 .
^ "Billy Cunningham Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 1, 2010 .
^ "Mike D'Antoni Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Chuck Daly Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 16, 2010 .
^ "Billy Donovan Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 16, 2021 .
^ "Mike Dunleavy Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 16, 2010 .
^ "Bill Fitch Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 19, 2010 .
^ "Cotton Fitzsimmons Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 20, 2010 .
^ "Chris Ford Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 17, 2010 .
^ "Lawrence Frank Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Mike Fratello Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 16, 2010 .
^ "Alvin Gentry Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Edward Gottlieb Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 10, 2010 .
^ "Richie Guerin Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 10, 2010 .
^ "Matt Guokas Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 4, 2010 .
^ "Alex Hannum Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 17, 2010 .
^ "Del Harris Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 16, 2010 .
^ "Les Harrison Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 9, 2010 .
^ "Tom Heinsohn Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 1, 2010 .
^ "Bob Hill Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 10, 2010 .
^ "Brian Hill Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 10, 2010 .
^ "Lionel Hollins Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved November 1, 2013 .
^ "Red Holzman Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 16, 2010 .
^ "Phil Jackson Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved October 22, 2011 .
^ "Taylor Jenkins Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved December 27, 2024 .
^ "Dave Joerger Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 12, 2018 .
^ "Avery Johnson Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Phil Johnson Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 4, 2010 .
^ "K. C. Jones Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 17, 2010 .
^ "Eddie Jordan Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 10, 2010 .
^ "George Karl Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Steve Kerr Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 11, 2019 .
^ "Jason Kidd Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 10, 2022 .
^ "John Kundla Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 17, 2010 .
^ "Joe Lapchick Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved July 29, 2010 .
^ "Frank Layden Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved July 29, 2010 .
^ "Slick Leonard Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 9, 2010 .
^ "Kevin Loughery Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 16, 2010 .
^ "John Lucas Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 9, 2010 .
^ "Tyronn Lue Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved February 27, 2023 .
^ "Jim Lynam Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 17, 2010 .
^ "John MacLeod Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 16, 2010 .
^ "Mike Malone Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 11, 2019 .
^ "Dick McGuire Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 9, 2010 .
^ "Kevin McHale Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 16, 2015 .
^ "Jack McMahon Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved July 29, 2010 .
^ "Nate McMillan Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Sam Mitchell Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 14, 2016 .
^ "Doug Moe Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 16, 2010 .
^ "Dick Motta Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 19, 2010 .
^ "Don Nelson Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 15, 2010 .
^ "Tom Nissalke Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 1, 2010 .
^ "Nick Nurse Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 14, 2024 .
^ "Jim O'Brien Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved October 22, 2011 .
^ "Rick Pitino Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 9, 2010 .
^ "Gregg Popovich Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Jack Ramsay Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 19, 2010 .
^ "Pat Riley Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 4, 2010 .
^ "Doc Rivers Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved October 22, 2011 .
^ "Bill Russell Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 10, 2010 .
^ "Flip Saunders Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved October 22, 2011 .
^ "Fred Schaus Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved July 29, 2010 .
^ "Byron Scott Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Paul Seymour Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 4, 2010 .
^ "Bill Sharman Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved July 29, 2010 .
^ "Gene Shue Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 20, 2010 .
^ "Paul Silas Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Scott Skiles Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Jerry Sloan Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved October 22, 2011 .
^ "Quin Snyder Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 11, 2019 .
^ "Erik Spoesltra Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 17, 2014 .
^ "Garry St. Jean Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 9, 2010 .
^ "Brad Stevens Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 12, 2018 .
^ "Terry Stotts Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 17, 2014 .
^ "Tom Thibodeau Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 13, 2017 .
^ "Isiah Thomas Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 9, 2010 .
^ "Rudy Tomjanovich Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 17, 2010 .
^ "Wes Unseld Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved July 29, 2010 .
^ "Butch Van Breda Kolff Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 4, 2010 .
^ "Jeff Van Gundy Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved May 17, 2010 .
^ "Stan Van Gundy Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
^ "Frank Vogel Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 14, 2016 .
^ "Luke Walton Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 10, 2022 .
^ "Bob Weiss Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 4, 2010 .
^ "Paul Westhead Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved August 9, 2010 .
^ "Paul Westphal Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved October 22, 2011 .
^ "Lenny Wilkens Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved April 15, 2010 .
^ "Monty Williams Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved March 24, 2020 .
^ "Randy Wittman Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved November 1, 2013 .
^ "Mike Woodson Coaching Record" . basketball-reference.com . Retrieved June 22, 2012 .
See also