Who are the best coach in the NBA? During the season we will have coach rankings based on in-season success and failure. This list represents the coach’s entire head coaching career in the NBA, which hasn’t been a long career for most current head coaches.
Coming soon: The Ten Worst Coaches in the NBA
- Gregg Popovich – San Antonio Spurs
In an industry with a short shelf life, Popovich has lead the Spurs since 1996. The winningest coach in NBA history. Despite not making it past the first round of the playoffs since 2017, he has earned this top spot - Erik Spoelstra – Miami Heat
Two time NBA champion. Leading the Heat since 2008, Spoelstra has only missed the playoffs 3 times despite a limited roster. - Steve Kerr – Golden State Warriors
Kerr has been the head coach of the Warriors since 2014. He has missed the playoffs twice, but has reached the Finals in each of his six playoff appearances and won four titles. - Nick Nurse – Toronto Raptors
Nurse has had an impressive first four years as head man of the Raptors with three playoff appearances and one NBA title. There may not be anyone better at getting the most of an undermanned roster. - Mike Budenholzer – Milwaukee Bucks
He had a decent run with Atlanta (2013-2018). He’s made the playoffs in each of his four seasons with Milwaukee including a NBA championship in 2020-21. - Monty Williams – Phoenix Suns
Williams mostly overachieved with New Orleans (2010-2015). He now leads a Suns team with high expectations. He has one NBA final appearance as head coach. - Taylor Jenkins – Memphis Grizzlies
Only a NBA head coach since 2019, Jenkins appears to be a rising star. - Ime Udoka – Boston Celtics
It’s only been one season, but it was one heck of a year. We anticipate Udoka will be climbing up this list. - Nate McMillan – Atlanta Hawks
It’s easy to forget McMillan has been a head coach with since 2000 with four different teams. He’s been around since 2000 because he’s a good coach. - Willie Green – New Orleans Pelicans
Things are pointing up for Green. His first Pelicans team was competitive with a less-than-stellar roster.
