All 30 NBA Coaches, Ranked

They all have the same goal — win an NBA championship. But the road to a Larry O’Brien Trophy is different for NBA head coaches. And some never get there.

Coaching basketball in the NBA today involves a lot more than just X’s and O’s. In addition to developing game plans and instructing players, coaches have to manage big egos, millionaire personalities, health concerns and off-court distractions.

It’s not an easy job to keep a team functioning at the highest level over an entire season. Here’s how all 30 NBA coaches are doing.

30. Ryan Saunders, Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Ryan Saunders, center, turned 33 on April 28, 2019. David Zalubowski / AP Photo

Age: 33 (born April 28, 1986)

NBA head coaching experience: 1 season (2019-present)

Coaching career: Washington Wizards (assistant, 2009-14), Minnesota Timberwolves (assistant, 2014-19; head coach, 2019-present)

Regular-season record: 17-25 (.402)

Postseason record: 0-0 (.000)

NBA titles: 0

30. Ryan Saunders, Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Ryan Saunders during a game against the Denver Nuggets in 2019. David Zalubowski / AP Photo

Bottom line: Ryan Saunders is the youngest coach in the NBA. The son of the late Flip Saunders, who coached the Minnesota Timberwolves for over 10 seasons, Ryan worked as a player development coach for the Washington Wizards before joining his father’s staff in Minnesota as an assistant in 2014.

After Tom Thibodeau was fired as T-Wolves head coach midseason in 2019, Ryan Saunders took over, and the team played well at times under their young head coach, producing a high level of offense. Time will tell how the Timberwolves perform for Saunders over a full season.

29. Jim Boylen, Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen started coaching in the NBA as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets in 1992. Kamil Krzaczynski / AP Photo

Age: 54 (April 18, 1965)

NBA head coaching experience: 1 season (2018-present)

Coaching career: Michigan State (assistant, 1987-92, 2005–07), Houston Rockets (assistant, 1992-2003), Golden State Warriors (assistant, 2003–04), Milwaukee Bucks (assistant, 2004–05), Utah (head coach, 2007–11), Indiana Pacers (assistant, 2011–13), San Antonio Spurs (assistant, 2013–15), Chicago Bulls (associate head coach, 2015–18; head coach, 2018-present)

Regular-season record: 17-41 (.293)

Postseason record: 0-0 (.000)

NBA titles: 0

29. Jim Boylen, Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen during a game against the Washington Wizards in 2019. Nick Wass / AP Photo

Bottom line: Jim Boylen is a basketball lifer who paid his dues. An assistant for the Warriors, Rockets, Bucks, Pacers and a championship Spurs team (2013-14), Boylen got his first NBA shot at head coaching when the Bulls fired Fred Hoiberg in December 2018 after a 5-19 start to the season.

Boylen didn’t have much success in the win-loss columns and had the Bulls doing extra suicides and other drills NBA players aren’t used to seeing. The fiery old-school coach earned the player’s respect by the end of the season, but whether that translates into wins in Chicago remains to be seen.

28. Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies introduce Taylor Jenkins, center, as the team’s new head coach in June 2019. The Commercial Appeal / YouTube

Age: 34 (N/A)

NBA head coaching experience: 0 seasons (2019-present)

Coaching career: San Antonio Spurs (basketball operations intern, 2007-08), Austin Toros (assistant, 2008-12; head coach, 2012-13), Atlanta Hawks (assistant, 2013-18), Milwaukee Bucks (assistant, 2018-19), Memphis Grizzlies (head coach, 2019-present)

Regular-season record: 0-0 (.000)

Postseason record: 0-0 (.000)

NBA titles: 0

28. Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies

Taylor Jenkins was an NBA assistant coach for six years with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. allnbalive / Instagram

Bottom line: Not too long ago Taylor Jenkins was playing intramural basketball at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated with a degree in economics, got an internship with the San Antonio Spur and then became head coach of San Antonio’s G-League team.

Mike Budenholzer, a former Spurs assistant, liked what he saw and added Jenkins to his coaching staffs with the Atlanta Hawks and then the Milwaukee Bucks, who finished the 2018-19 season with 60 wins and the best regular-season record in the NBA.

Now, the Grizzlies are giving Jenkins the keys to their team. We’ll see how much the new-school coach can put into practice everything he’s learned.

27. Lloyd Pierce, Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce, right, talks with guard Trae Young during a game against the Orlando Magic in 2019. Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP Photo

Age: 43 (May 11, 1976)

NBA head coaching experience: 1 season (2018-present)

Coaching career: Santa Clara (assistant, 2003-07), Cleveland Cavaliers (assistant, 2007–10), Golden State Warriors (assistant, 2010–11), Memphis Grizzlies (assistant, 2011–13), Philadelphia 76ers (assistant, 2013–18), Atlanta Hawks (head coach, 2018–present)

Regular-season record: 29-53 (.354)

Postseason record: 0-0 (.000)

NBA titles: 0

27. Lloyd Pierce, Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce shouts at a referee during a game against the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. John Amis / AP Photo

Bottom line: Lloyd Pierce grew up San Jose, California, and played basketball overseas after spending four years at Santa Clara. When his playing days were over, he returned home and got his start in coaching at his alma mater.

It didn’t take long for Pierce to find his way to the NBA in player development, working on Cavaliers, Warriors and Grizzlies staffs. He then honed his skills helping the 76ers rebuild.

His success with “The Process” in Philadelphia earned Pierce the opportunity to be Atlanta’s head coach, and he laid the groundwork for success in his rookie year. With a roster of solid young players — including Trae Young and Kevin Huerter — the Hawks are hoping Pierce can create a winning culture in the ATL.

26. James Borrego, Charlotte Hornets

James Borrego won 39 games in his first season as Charlotte Hornets head coach in 2019. Duane Burleson / AP Photo

Age: 41 (Nov. 12, 1977)

NBA head coaching experience: 1 season (2015, 2018-present)

Coaching career: San Diego (assistant, 2001–03), San Antonio Spurs (assistant, 2003–10), New Orleans Hornets (assistant, 2010–12), Orlando Magic (assistant, 2012–15; interim head coach, 2015), San Antonio Spurs (assistant, 2015–18), Charlotte Hornets (head coach, 2018–present)

Regular-season record: 49-63 (.438)

Postseason record: 0-0 (.000)

NBA titles: 0

26. James Borrego, Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego during a game against the Miami Heat in 2019. Chuck Burton / AP Photo

Bottom line: The Charlotte Hornets are the first team that James Borrego has coached full-time after an interim stint with the Orlando Magic. He was an assistant for the University of San Diego, San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Hornets and Magic.

With Hornets star point guard Kemba Walker, Borrego showed he will let stars go one-on-one with defenders. He also kept the “value each possession” culture that Steve Clifford preached in Charlotte before Borrego’s arrival.

25. Monty Williams, Phoenix Suns

Monty Williams takes over as the Phoenix Suns head coach with a .439 career winning percentage. Matt York / AP Photo

Age: 47 (Oct. 8, 1971)

NBA head coaching experience: 5 seasons (2011-present)

Coaching career: Portland Trail Blazers (assistant, 2005–10), New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (head coach, 2010–15), Oklahoma City Thunder (associate head coach, 2015–16), Philadelphia 76ers (assistant, 2018–19),
Phoenix Suns (head coach, 2019–present)

Regular-season record: 173-221 (.439)

Postseason record: 2-8 (.200)

NBA titles: 0

25. Monty Williams, Phoenix Suns

Monty Williams was an NBA head coach in New Orleans for five seasons. David Zalubowski / AP Photo

Bottom line: Monty Williams has been around the NBA as a player and coach.

He started his nine-year playing career in 1994 and then was an assistant for five seasons in Portland before New Orleans hired him as its head coach in 2010.

Williams helped groom Anthony Davis into a superstar and will be tasked doing the same with Devin Booker in Phoenix. Williams also has the opportunity of turning the Suns into a playoff team like he did with the Pelicans.

24. Frank Vogel, Los Angeles Lakers

Frank Vogel got his first NBA coaching job as an assistant with the Boston Celtics in 2001. John Raoux / AP Photo

Age: 45 (June 21, 1973)

NBA head coaching experience: 8 seasons (2010-present)

Coaching career: Boston Celtics (assistant, 2001–04), Philadelphia 76ers (assistant, 2004–05), Indiana Pacers (assistant, 2007–11; head coach, 2011–16), Orlando Magic (head coach, 2016–18), Los Angeles Lakers (head coach, 2019–present)

Record: 304-291 (.511)

Postseason record: 31-30 (.508)

NBA titles: 0

24. Frank Vogel, Los Angeles Lakers

Frank Vogel, right, was an NBA coach for eight seasons before joining the Lakers. Damian Dovarganes / AP Photo

Bottom line: Frank Vogel is not just expected to win games for the Lakers. He is expected to win championships.

Can Vogel meet the challenge with LeBron James and Anthony Davis and whoever else is wearing purple and gold?

Vogel has won games in Indiana and Orlando with lesser talent. The bright lights of Los Angeles, however, are a different animal. Buckle up for a wild ride.

23. Billy Donovan, Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan shouts instructions during a playoff game against the Portland Trail Blazers in 2019. Steve Dipaola / AP Photo

Age: 54 (May 30, 1965)

NBA head coaching experience: 4 seasons (2015-present)

Coaching career: Kentucky (assistant, 1989–94), Marshall (head coach, 1994–96), Florida (head coach, 1996–2015), Oklahoma City Thunder (head coach, 2015–present)

Record: 199-129 (.607)

Postseason record: 15-19 (.441)

NBA titles: 0

23. Billy Donovan, Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan, right, speaks to guard Hamidou Diallo during a game against the New York Knicks in 2019. Kathy Willens / AP Photo

Bottom line: The NBA is not the NCAA. Billy Donovan won two national championships as coach of the Florida Gators before heading to Oklahoma City to coach Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

The Thunder are the first NBA team Donovan has coached, and the closest he has come to NBA glory was a near Finals appearance in 2016.

Although he has had the luxury of coaching superstars such as Durant, Westbrook and Paul George, the offense does not revolve around much ball movement. They isolate more than most teams. Can Donovan find a winning formula in the pros?

22. David Fizdale, New York Knicks

David Fizdale was hired as the New York Knicks coach in 2018. Mary Altaffer / AP Photo

Age: 45 (June 16, 1974)

NBA head coaching experience: 3 seasons (2017-present)

Coaching career: San Diego (assistant, 1998–2002), Fresno State (assistant, 2002–04), Golden State Warriors (assistant, 2003–04), Atlanta Hawks (assistant, 2004–08), Miami Heat (assistant, 2008–16), Memphis Grizzlies (head coach, 2016–17), New York Knicks (head coach, 2018–present)

Record: 67-116 (.366)

Postseason record: 2-4 (.333)

NBA titles: 0

22. David Fizdale, New York Knicks

New York Knicks coach David Fizdale during a game against the Utah Jazz in 2019. Mary Altaffer / AP Photo

Bottom line: The mecca of basketball is a long way from the grit and grind of Memphis. David Fizdale had one year of success leading the Grizzlies, but he also had more star power than Knicks, and working for James Dolan is no cakewalk.

Fizdale has tried to bring the toughness and hard effort from Memphis to New York, but things have not been smooth.

If Fizdale can turn around the Knicks, he will deserve an award.

21. John Beilein, Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach John Beilein speaks to players before a news conference in 2019. Tony Dejak / AP Photo

Age: 66 (Feb. 5, 1953)

NBA head coaching experience: 0 seasons (2019-present)

Coaching career: Newfane High School (head coach, 1975–78), Erie Community College (head coach, 1978–82), Nazareth (head coach, 1982–83), Le Moyne (head coach, 1983–92), Canisius (head coach, 1992–97),
Richmond (head coach, 1997–2002), West Virginia (2002–07), Michigan (head coach, 2007–19), Cleveland Cavaliers (head coach, 2019–present)

Regular-season record: 0-0 (.000)

Postseason record: 0-0 (.000)

NBA titles: 0

21. John Beilein, Cleveland Cavaliers

John Beilein left the University of Michigan after a successful 12-year run to help rebuild the Cavaliers. Tony Dejak / AP Photo

Bottom line: John Beilein has experience on his side. Just not NBA experience.

Although Beilen has been coaching basketball for almost 45 years, the Cavaliers are the 66-year-old’s first NBA coaching job after decades of NCAA Division I success with the Michigan Wolverines, West Virginia Mountaineers and Richmond Spiders.

Beilein will have his hands full in Cleveland. With the departure of LeBron James for Hollywood still fresh, it won’t be easy to creating Believe-land with second-year player Collin Sexton, Kevin Love and the rest of Cavs.

20. Steve Clifford, Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic head coach Steve Clifford started his basketball coaching career as a high school coach in 1983. John Raoux / AP Photo

Age: 57 (Sept. 17, 1961)

NBA head coaching experience: 6 seasons (2013-present)

Coaching career: Woodland High School (head coach, 1983–85), Saint Anselm (assistant, 1985–89), Fairfield (assistant, 1989–90), Boston University (assistant, 1990–94), Siena (assistant, 1994–95), Adelphi (head coach, 1995–99), East Carolina (assistant, 1999–2000), New York Knicks (advance scout, 2000–01), New York Knicks (assistant, 2001–03), Houston Rockets (assistant, 2003–07), Orlando Magic (assistant, 2007–12), Los Angeles Lakers (assistant, 2012–13), Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets (head coach, 2013–18), Orlando Magic (head coach, 2018–present)

Regular-season record: 238-254 (.484)

Postseason record: 4-12 (.250)

NBA titles: 0

20. Steve Clifford, Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic head coach Steve Clifford, right, gives instruction to forward Wes Iwundu during a game against the Atlanta Hawks in 2019. Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP Photo

Bottom Line: Steve Clifford worked his way up the coaching ranks. He started as a high school coach at Woodland High School in Maine and became an assistant coach for Boston University, the Knicks, Rockets and other NBA teams. All that experience won him the Charlotte Bobcats head job in 2013.

One of the hallmarks of a Clifford-coached team is low turnovers and ball security. On his Hornets teams, they ranked first in fewest turnovers in four out of his five seasons as coach.

Now, the Magic rarely turn the ball over because of his approach to valuing possession of the basketball. All Orlando needs to do is turn that ball protection into buckets and wins.

19. Scott Brooks, Washington Wizards

Scott Brooks played 10 seasons in the NBA as a point guard. Nick Wass / AP Photo

Age: 53 (July 31, 1965)

NBA head coaching experience: 10 seasons (2008-present)

Coaching career: Los Angeles Stars (assistant, 2000–01), Southern California Surf (head coach, 2001–02), Denver Nuggets (assistant, 2003–06), Sacramento Kings (assistant, 2006–07), Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder (assistant, 2007–08), Oklahoma City Thunder (head coach, 2008–15), Washington Wizards (head coach, 2016–present)

Regular-season record: 462-329 (.584)

Postseason record: 48-44 (.522)

NBA titles: 0

19. Scott Brooks, Washington Wizards

Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks during a game against the Chicago Bulls in 2019. Nick Wass / AP Photo

Bottom line: Scott Brooks knows how hard it is to win championships in the NBA. Although he won a ring with the Houston Rockets as a player in 1994, he has been to the NBA Finals as a coach only once, losing to the Miami Heat in five games in 2012.

Before being promoted to head coach of Oklahoma City in 2008, the former point guard was an assistant coach for the Nuggets, Kings and Thunder.

Brooks became the Wizards’ head coach in 2017, getting the opportunity to coach stars John Wall and Bradley Beal, after coaching stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City.

One of Brooks’ coaching philosophies is to stagger his star players when they rest, so he always has one star on the floor at all times. Of course, it takes more than stars to win in the NBA.

18. Brett Brown, Philadelphia 76ers

Brett Brown was hired as the Philadelphia 76ers’ head coach in 2013. Chris Szagola / AP Photo

Age: 58 (Feb. 16, 1961)

NBA head coaching experience: 5 seasons (2014-present)

Coaching career: Boston University (graduate assistant, 1983–84), Melbourne Tigers (assistant, 1988–93), North Melbourne Giants (head coach, 1993–98), San Antonio Spurs (basketball operations, 1998–99), Sydney Kings (head coach, 2000–02), San Antonio Spurs (director of player development/assistant, 2002–13), Philadelphia 76ers (head coach, 2013–present)

Regular-season record: 178-314 (.362)

Postseason record: 12-10 (.545)

NBA titles: 0

18. Brett Brown, Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2019. Matt Slocum / AP Photo

Bottom Line: Brett Brown was a collegiate basketball player for Boston University and a team captain in his junior and senior seasons. He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater and got his NBA education as a former Gregg Popovich assistant in San Antonio, before the 76ers hired him in 2013.

In Philadelphia, Brown likes to push the pace with Ben Simmons at point guard and put a big, switchable lineup on defense. But despite having Joel Embiid, one of the most entertaining players in the league, Brown takes a business-like approach to the game. Not a big surprise for the coach of “The Process.”

17. Luke Walton, Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings head coach Luke Walton, right, talks with former University of Central Florida guard B.J. Taylor after an NBA pre-draft workout. Rich Pedroncelli

Age: 39 (March 28, 1980)

NBA head coaching experience: 3 seasons (2016-present)

Coaching career: Memphis (assistant, 2011), Los Angeles D-Fenders (player development, 2013–14), Golden State Warriors (assistant, 2014–16), Los Angeles Lakers (head coach, 2016–19), Sacramento Kings (head coach, 2019–present)

Record: 98-148 (.398)

Postseason record: 0-0 (.000)

NBA titles: 0

17. Luke Walton, Sacramento Kings

Vlade Divac, Luke Walton, Elizabeth Ramsey

Sacramento Kings head coach Luke Walton, center, watches an NBA basketball pre-draft player workout with Kings general manager Vlade Divac and Elizabeth Ramsey, the director of basketball operations and intelligence. Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo

Bottom line: Luke Walton has been around basketball success all his life. He was a two-time NBA champion as a player with the Lakers, and the son of Bill Walton appeared to be on a path toward NBA coaching success after an apprenticeship with Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors led to the opportunity of a lifetime with the Lakers.

But Walton found that all that glitters is not golden in Los Angeles, and the Lakers missed the playoffs in their first season with LeBron James.

Walton will look to rebuild his reputation with the Sacramento Kings and build off of their successful campaign from the 2018-19 season. De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield improved under the tutelage of Dave Joeger. Continuing to make strides in the right direction for this Kings franchise will be Walton’s next challenge.

16. Kenny Atkinson, Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson argues with a referee during a playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. Mary Altaffer / AP Photo

Age: 52 (June 2, 1967)

NBA head coaching experience: 3 seasons (2016-present)

Coaching career: Paris Basket Racing (assistant, 2004–06), New York Knicks (assistant, 2008–12), Atlanta Hawks (assistant, 2012–16), Brooklyn Nets (head coach, 2016–present)

Regular-season record: 90-156 (.366)

Postseason record: 1-4 (.200)

NBA titles: 0

16. Kenny Atkinson, Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson during a playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. Chris Szagola / AP Photo

Bottom line: The Nets were projected to have a low win total in the 2018-19 season, but Kenny Atkinson helped Brooklyn take the league by surprise by winning 37 games.

Atkinson’s ability to help develop young players lifted the Nets into the playoffs, where they won a game against the 76ers in the first round, and he will look to build on that success.

15. Dwane Casey, Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey during a playoff game against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2019. Carlos Osorio / AP Photo

Age: 62 (April 17, 1957)

NBA head coaching experience: 10 seasons (2005-07, 2011-present)

Coaching career: Kentucky (assistant, 1979–80), Western Kentucky (assistant, 1980–85), Kentucky (assistant, 1985–89), Sekisui Chemical (head coach, 1989–92), Isuzu Motors Lynx (head coach, 1992–94), Seattle SuperSonics (assistant, 1994–2005), Minnesota Timberwolves (head coach, 2005–07), Dallas Mavericks (assistant, 2008–11), Toronto Raptors (head coach, 2011–18), Detroit Pistons (head coach, 2018–present)

Regular-season record: 414-348 (.543)

Postseason record: 21-34 (.382)

NBA titles: 0

15. Dwane Casey, Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey directs his team during a game against the Charlotte Hornets in 2019. Duane Burleson / AP Photo

Bottom line: Dwane Casey didn’t win a championship in Toronto, but he helped lay some of the foundation for the team that did in 2019.

Prior to his Pistons stint, Casey was the Raptors’ coach for six seasons and helped Toronto become a contender in the Eastern Conference, although they underachieved in the postseason until taking out the Warriors.

Casey still is working on building an unselfish brand of basketball in Detroit, so the Pistons can bring more to the court than isolation basketball with Blake Griffin as their main scorer.

14. Alvin Gentry, New Orleans Pelicans

Alvin Gentry has been the head coach of five NBA teams. Scott Threlkeld / AP Photo

Age: 64 (Nov. 5, 1954)

NBA head coaching experience: 16 seasons (1995, 1998-2003, 2008-13, 2015-present)

Coaching career: Baylor (assistant, 1980–81), Colorado (assistant, 1981–86), Kansas (assistant, 1986–89), San Antonio Spurs (assistant, 1989–90), Los Angeles Clippers (assistant, 1990–91), Miami Heat (assistant, 1991–95), Miami Heat (head coach, 1995), Detroit Pistons (assistant, 1995–97), Detroit Pistons (head coach, 1998–99), Los Angeles Clippers (head coach, 2000–03), New Orleans Hornets (assistant, 2003–04), Phoenix Suns (assistant, 2004–08), Phoenix Suns (head coach, 2008–12), Los Angeles Clippers (associate head coach, 2013–14), Golden State Warriors (associate head coach, 2014–15), New Orleans Pelicans (head coach, 2015–present)

Regular-season record: 480-553 (.465)

Postseason record: 17-13 (.567)

NBA titles: 0

14. Alvin Gentry, New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry during a game against the Phoenix Sun in 2019. Rick Scuteri / AP Photo

Bottom Line: Alvin Gentry has seen everything in the NBA. Before Gentry was in the head coaching business, he was an assistant coach for the Spurs, Clippers and Heat.

He tasted success as the associate head coach of the Warriors during their 2014-15 championship season after some low seasons came with the Clippers and Suns.

Gentry likes a fast-paced offense that generates many layup and 3-point shot opportunities. This type of offense should make the Pelicans one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NBA.

13. Mike Malone, Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone directs his team against the San Antonio Spurs during a playoff game in 2019. David Zalubowski / AP Photo

Age: 47 (Sept. 15, 1971)

NBA head coaching experience: 6 seasons (2013-present)

Coaching career: Friends School of Baltimore (assistant, 1993–94), Oakland (assistant, 1994–95), Providence (assistant, 1995–98), Manhattan (assistant, 1999–2001), New York Knicks (assistant, 2001–05), Cleveland Cavaliers (assistant, 2005–10), New Orleans Hornets (assistant, 2010–11), Golden State Warriors (assistant, 2011–13), Sacramento Kings (head coach, 2013–14), Denver Nuggets (2015–present)

Regular-season record: 212-222 (.488)

Postseason record: 7-7 (.500)

NBA titles: 0

13. Mike Malone, Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone argues a call during a playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs in 2019. Eric Gay / AP Photo

Bottom line: Mike Malone has come a long way from his coaching start at a Quaker school in Baltimore. After the Kings fired Malone over “philosophical differences” in 2014, the Denver Nuggets hired him, and the defensive-minded coach has turned them into a contender.

Over his four seasons with Denver, his teams have averaged 43 wins a season and increased their win totals by at least seven games every season. In the 2018-19 season, they won 54 games, the fourth-most wins in the NBA.

Don’t be surprised if the Nuggets start knocking on the 60-win door.

12. Mike D’Antoni, Houston Rockets

Mike D’Antoni has been a head coach in the NBA for 15 seasons. Eric Gay / AP Photo

Age: 68 (May 8, 1951)

NBA head coaching experience: 15 seasons (1998-99, 2003-14, 2016-19)

Coaching career: Olimpia Milano (head coach, 1990–94), Benetton Basket (head coach, 1994–97), Denver Nuggets (assistant, 1997–98), Denver Nuggets (head coach, 1998–99), Benetton Basket (head coach, 2001–02), Phoenix Suns (assistant, 2002–03), Phoenix Suns (head coach, 2003–08), New York Knicks (head coach, 2008–12), Los Angeles Lakers (head coach, 2012–14), Philadelphia 76ers (associate head coach, 2015–16)
Houston Rockets (head coach, 2016–present)

Regular-season record: 628-499 (.557)

Postseason record: 49-49 (.500)

NBA titles: 0

12. Mike D’Antoni, Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni during a game against the Denver Nuggets in 2019. David Zalubowski / AP Photo

Bottom line: Mike D’Antoni always has liked offense. And lots of it.

Best known for the Phoenix Suns’ “Seven Seconds or Less” attack orchestrated by point guard Steve Nash, D’Antoni now tried to implement something similar with James Harden, Chris Paul and the Houston Rockets.

His Suns teams always had the offensive firepower to compete with other teams, but could not play well defensively. The Rockets are a better overall team. However, they are slower than the Suns in pace — leading to more isolation possessions and no NBA title.

11. Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers

Doc Rivers has won one NBA title — with the Boston Celtics in 2008. Jeff Chiu / AP Photo

Age: 57 (Oct. 13, 1961)

NBA head coaching experience: 20 seasons (1999-present)

Coaching career: Orlando Magic (head coach, 1999–2003), Boston Celtics (head coach, 2004–13), Los Angeles Clippers (head coach, 2013–present)

Record: 894-658 (.576)

Postseason record: 84-83 (.503)

NBA titles: 1 (2008)

11. Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers during a game against the New York Knicks in 2019. Seth Wenig / AP Photo

Bottom line: Only Gregg Popovich (23 seasons) has more NBA head coaching experience than Rivers (20 seasons) among current NBA head coaches. But don’t call Rivers old.

After leading the Celtics back to glory in 2008, Rivers has turned Clippers into the best team in Los Angeles and one of the best teams in the NBA.

Rivers still likes to quicken the pace, as the Clippers like to get up and down the court fast, and Rivers still is a players’ coach, getting a few technical fouls here and there to stick up for his team.

10. Terry Stotts, Portland Trail Blazers

Terry Stotts became the Portland Trail Blazers’ head coach in 2012. David Zalubowski / AP Photo

Age: 61 (Nov. 25, 1957)

NBA head coaching experience: 11 seasons (2002-04, 2005-07, 2012-present)

Coaching career: Albany Patroons (assistant, 1990–91), Fort Wayne Fury (assistant, 1991–92), Seattle SuperSonics (assistant, 1992–98), Milwaukee Bucks (assistant, 1998–2002), Atlanta Hawks (head coach2002–04), Golden State Warriors (assistant, 2004–05), Milwaukee Bucks (head coach, 2005–07), Dallas Mavericks (assistant, 2008–12), Portland Trail Blazers (head coach, 2012–present)

Regular-season record: 440-417 (.513)

Postseason record: 20-36 (.357)

NBA titles: 0

Bottom Line: Terry Stotts is finally getting the recognition he deserves. While he struggled in his first two NBA head coaching stints in Atlanta and Milwaukee, he has a .566 winning percentage in seven seasons in Portland.

Under Stotts, the Blazers always play consistent, solid basketball during the regular season. They still have room to improve in the postseason, and they might be able to do that with Stotts, another players’ coach, trusting his stars like Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum in crunch time.

10. Terry Stotts, Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts during a playoff game against the Golden State Warriors in 2019. Ted S. Warren / AP Photo

9. Nate McMillan, Indiana Pacers

Nate McMillan won his 600th game as an NBA head coach in 2019. Darron Cummings / AP Photo

Age: 54 (Aug. 3, 1964)

NBA head coaching experience: 15 seasons (2000-12, 2016-present)

Coaching career: Seattle SuperSonics (assistant, 1999–2000; head coach, 2000–05), Portland Trail Blazers (head coach, 2005–12), Indiana Pacers (assistant, 2013–16; head coach, 2016–present)

Record: 616-560 (.524)

Postseason record: 17-32 (.347)

NBA titles: 0

9. Nate McMillan, Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers head coach Nate McMillan directs his players against the Atlanta Hawks in 2019. John Bazemore / AP Photo

Bottom Line: Prior to coaching the Pacers, Nate McMillan coached the Seattle SuperSonics and Portland Trail Blazers.

McMillan has a history of having solid defensive teams. It is because his defensive mind tries to get his players to buy in to defensive rotations and contesting 3-point shooters.

His offensive teams have been solid, but not extraordinary. McMillan now has a star in Victor Oladipo to run the offense through. If Oladipo can stay healthy, Indiana could be more than a sleeper.

8. Nick Nurse, Toronto Raptors

Nick Nurse led the Toronto Raptors to 58 wins in his first season as an NBA head coach. Morry Gash / AP Photo

Age: 51 (July 24, 1967)

NBA head coaching experience: 1 season (2018-present)

Coaching career: Northern Iowa (assistant, 1989–90), Derby Rams (player-coach, 1990–91), Grand View (head coach, 1991–93), South Dakota (assistant, 1993–95), Birmingham Bullets (head coach, 1995–97),
Telindus Oostende (head coach, 1998), Manchester Giants (head coach, 1998–2000), London Towers (head coach, 2000–01), Oklahoma Storm (assistant, 2001), Brighton Bears (head coach, 2001–06), Oklahoma Storm (assistant, 2005), Iowa Energy (head coach, 2007–11), Rio Grande Valley Vipers (head coach, 2011–13), Toronto Raptors (assistant, head coach, 2013–18), Toronto Raptors (head coach, 2018–present),
Canada (2019–present)

Regular-season record: 58-24 (.707)

Postseason record: 16-8 (.667)

NBA titles: 1 (2019)

8. Nick Nurse, Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse against the Washington Wizards in 2019. Nick Wass / AP Photo

Bottom line: What will Nick Nurse do for an encore act? Few people outside basketball circles knew his name when the 2018-19 season started. Now, he is one of only nine first-year NBA head coaches to win an NBA title.

The former Raptors assistant, promoted after Dwane Casey got fired, preaches unselfish play and defense. Toronto’s players followed his lead to bring the Raptors their first NBA championship. It also didn’t hurt to have Kawhi Leonard, whom Nurse made comfortable from Day 1.

Instead of resting on laurels, Nurse is coaching Team Canada at the FIFA Basketball World Cup to get better as a coach.

7. Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks

Mike Budenholzer coached the Milwaukee Bucks to 60 wins in the 2018-19 season. Morry Gash / AP Photo

Age: 49 (Aug. 6, 1969)

NBA head coaching experience: 6 seasons (2013-present)

Coaching career: Vejle BK (youth teams, 1993–94), San Antonio Spurs (assistant, 1996–2013), Atlanta Hawks (head coach, 2013–18), Milwaukee Bucks (head coach, 2018–present)

Regular-season record: 273-219 (.555)

Postseason record: 27-27 (.500)

NBA titles: 0

7. Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer during a playoff game against the Boston Celtics in 2019. Michael Dwyer / AP Photo

Bottom line: All Mike Budenholzer did in his first season in Milwaukee was guide the Bucks to the most wins in the NBA and the Eastern Conference finals. Of course, it helps to have Giannis Antetokounmpo. But Budenholzer knows how to use him.

After coaching consistently good Atlanta Hawks playoff teams, Budenholer brought a spread-and-sharing offense to the Bucks, while allowing his superstar to work in the paint and surround him with shooters.

This “isolation but spread the wealth” offensive approach will continue to reap rewards for the Bucks, who could be ready to join the NBA’s elite for years to come.

6. Rick Carlisle, Dallas Mavericks

Rick Carlisle became an NBA head coach in 2001. Darren Abate / AP Photo

Age: 59 (Oct. 27, 1959)

NBA head coaching experience: 17 seasons (2001-present)

Coaching career: New Jersey Nets (assistant, 1989–94), Portland Trail Blazers (assistant, 1994–97), Indiana Pacers (assistant, 1997–2000), Detroit Pistons (head coach, 2001–03), Indiana Pacers (head coach, 2003-07), Dallas Mavericks (head coach, 2008–present)

Regular-season record: 751-627 (.545)

Postseason record: 58-62 (.483)

NBA titles: 1 (2011)

6. Rick Carlisle, Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019. Tony Gutierrez / AP Photo

Bottom Line: Rick Carlisle understands the value of patience. After graduating from the University of Virginia, Carlisle was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1984, where he played alongside Larry Bird and won an NBA title. In 1989, he became an assistant coach for the New Jersey Nets, and he’s been a tough-minded coach ever since.

Carlisle gets the most out of the players by encouraging them to buy into a system that favors experience over youth. However, he took some risks in the 2018-19 season by trusting rookie Luka Doncic to become a closer for the Mavericks. The 20-year-old Slovenian rewarded that trust by turning into a star.

Who says you can’t teach an old coach new tricks?

5. Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat

Erik Spoelstra has won two NBA titles with the Miami Heat. Joe Skipper / AP Photl

Age: 48 (Nov. 1, 1970)

NBA head coaching experience: 11 seasons (2008-present)

Coaching career: TuS Herten (assistant, 1993–95), Miami Heat (assistant, 1997–2008; head coach, 2008–present)

Regular-season record: 523-363 (.590)

Postseason record: 71-47 (.602)

NBA titles: 2 (2012, 2013)

5. Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat

Miami Heat head Coach Erik Spoelstra during a game against the Toronto Raptors in 2018. Joel Auerbach / AP Photo

Bottom Line: In 1995, Erik Spoelstra had a choice: Accept a two-year offer to play with a German basketball team or take a position with the Miami Heat as the team’s video coordinator. Spoelstra made the right choice.

He took the NBA job and moved up the ranks in Miami until he became the team’s head coach in 2008. Then, Spoelstra helped the Heat win two titles, in 2012 and 2013.

He still preaches defensive principles — staying in front of opposing players, defensive rotations and being vertical when defending an offensive player driving to the basket. And although the Heat don’t have an NBA title-contending team anymore, Spoelstra has kept Miami in the playoff hunt since LeBron James departed in 2014.

4. Quin Snyder, Utah Jazz

Quin Snyder became the Utah Jazz head coach in 2014. David J. Phillip / AP Photo

Age: 52 (Oct. 30, 1966)

NBA head coaching experience: 5 seasons (2014-present)

Coaching career: Los Angeles Clippers (assistant, 1992–93),Duke (assistant, 1993–99), Missouri (head coach, 1999–2006), Austin Toros (head coach, 2007–10), Philadelphia 76ers (assistant, 2010–11), Los Angeles Lakers (assistant, 2011–12), CSKA Moscow (assistant, 2012–13), Atlanta Hawks (assistant, 2013–14), Utah Jazz (head coach, 2014–present)

Record: 227-183 (.554)

Postseason record: 10-17 (.370)

NBA titles: 0

4. Quin Snyder, Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder and guard Donovan Mitchell speak during a playoff game against the Houston Rockets in 2019. Rick Bowmer / AP Photo

Bottom line: Quin Snyder is more proof that good things come to those who pay their dues. Snyder was an assistant coach for many teams (including the 76ers, Lakers and Hawks) before a head coaching opportunity sprouted in Utah.

Since Snyder has become the primary on-court decision-maker for the Jazz, he has preached good, hard-nosed defense. It helps that Snyder has one of the best defensive players in the Association in Rudy Gobert. Joe Ingles and Jae Crowder also have provided solid defense on the perimeter to help Utah become one of the best defensive teams in the league.

3. Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors

Steve Kerr became the fastest NBA coach to 300 career wins in 2019. John Hefti / AP Photo

Age: 53 (Sept. 27, 1965)

NBA head coaching experience: 5 seasons (2014-present)

Coaching career: Golden State Warriors (2014-present)

Regular-season record: 322-88 (.785)

Postseason record: 77-28 (.733)

NBA titles: 3 (2015, 2017, 2018)

3. Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr during a playoff game against the Houston Rockets in 2019. Jeff Chiu / AP Photo

Bottom line: Steve Kerr is a master of being at the right place at the right time — and making the most of his opportunities. After winning five rings as a sharpshooter with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio, Kerr parlayed his smart analysis as a TV broadcaster into a general manager gig with the Phoenix Suns before becoming the Warriors’ head coach in the 2014-15 season.

Kerr inherited a Golden State roster that featured Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green — and maximized its potential. Kerr’s free-flowing coaching style was tailor-made for the Warriors. By stressing player movement and ball movement, taking sets from Phil Jackson, including split-cuts, which are derived from the triangle offense, the Warriors revolutionized the NBA.

Add it all up, and Kerr has guided the Warriors to three championships in five seasons. Along the way, he became the fastest NBA coach to 300 career wins and has the highest career winning percentage (.785) of any coach in NBA history.

2. Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens won 270 games in his first six seasons in the NBA. Winslow Townson / AP Photo

Age: 42 (Oct. 22, 1976)

NBA head coaching experience: 6 seasons (2013-present)

Coaching career: Butler (assistant, 2001–07; head coach, 2007–13), Boston Celtics (2013–present)

Record: 270-222 (.549)

Postseason record: 27-29 (.482)

NBA titles: 0

2. Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens calls for a play against the Indiana Pacers during a playoff game in 2019. Michael Conroy / AP Photo

Bottom line: Brad Stevens has lived up to the hype since leaving Butler and become one of the best young coaches in the NBA.

His ability to get the most out of his players is one of the reasons that makes him such a great coach. He preaches defense and looks to stop opposing offenses’ best player every game. His motion offense plays to his players’ strengths.

Once Gordon Hayward arrived in Boston and reunited with his coach from his college days, everything came full circle. The next step for Stevens is getting to the NBA Finals (he’s lost in the Eastern Conference finals twice) and winning an NBA title.

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs

Gregg Popovich became the San Antonion Spurs’ head coach in 1996. Eric Gay / AP Photo

Age: 70 (Jan. 28, 1949)

NBA head coaching experience: 23 seasons (1996-present)

Career: Air Force (assistant, 1973-79), Pomona-Pitzer (1979-86), Kansas (assistant, 1986-87), San Antonio Spurs (assistant, 1988-92; head coach, 1996-present), Golden State Warriors (assistant, 1992-94)

Regular-season record: 1,245-575 (.684)

Postseason record: 170-114 (.599)

NBA titles: 5 (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich during a game against the Denver Nuggets in 2019. Eric Gay / AP Photo

Bottom line: All Gregg Popovich does is win. Since 1998, Pop has led the Spurs to 22 straight winning seasons by implementing a ball-movement, player-movement offense — a blueprint other successful coaches like Steve Kerr and Brad Stevens have followed.

Popovich has reached 50-plus regular-season wins in 19 of his 23 seasons with the Spurs. And his a no-nonsense, business-like approach to the game has helped the Spurs win five NBA titles.

It’s why he remains the best coach in the game and a future Hall of Famer.