If nothing else, this list should spur some debate. I looked at career winning percentage, career accomplishments, recent success, the ability to win the title, and how well the coach is respected among his peers.
1. Phil Jackson, Los Angles Lakers, .700 Career Winning Percentage, 9 NBA Titles
"The Zen Master" was at it again last season, returning to the NBA Finals for the 11th time is his 17-year career as a head coach. Jackson has made the playoffs in all 17 of those years. Although he has had great players on his teams, some of their greatness is to be attributed to his coaching and triangle offense. Until he retires, Jackson will be considered the premier coach in the NBA.
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs, .677 Career Winning Percentage, 4 NBA Titles
People forget that Pop was criticized in the late '90s as GM for the Spurs, when he fired Bob Hill and named himself heir to the throne. By the 1998-99 season, all critics were quieted when Popovich lead the Spurs to their first of four championships in the past decade. He has brought out the lighter side of Duncan, as seen in clips, but is usually seen barking like a pit bull on the court. Will the Spurs continue their streak of titles every other year?
3. Jerry Sloan, Utah Jazz, .624 Career Winning Percentage
A title may forever elude Sloan, but he may go down as the best coach to never wear a ring. Sloan's stone face masks a fiery competitor who demands excellence of his team. In 22 full seasons as a head coach, Sloan has only missed the playoffs four times. He preaches defense and teamwork, the two things he was known for as an NBA All-Star, and First Team NBA All-Defensive player.
4. Doc Rivers, Boston Celtics, .508 Career Winning Percentage, 1 NBA Title
Nobody was happier than Doc Rivers when Danny Ainge made the moves that united "the Boston Three Party." The 2008-09 season was his second winning campaign in Boston, but Rivers had four consecutive winning seasons in Orlando before being fired.
In last years playoffs, Rivers gave a tutorial on how to effectively use your bench, which was one of the pivotal plays in defeating the Lakers. Rivers has an excellent feel for the game and does a great job of motivating players. If he chooses to, Rivers could be a successful coach for the next 20 years.
5. Stan Van Gundy, Orlando Magic, .614 Career Winning Percentage
In three full seasons as a head coach, SVG has made it past the first round of the playoffs every time. Van Gundy resigned from the Miami Heat in the 2005-06 season with a record of 11-10, as the Heat were on their way to the NBA Title. Van Gundy still has a lot of coaching to do before he is solidified as one of the best ever, but, if he sticks with Dwight Howard in Orlando, the sun will continue to shine on his young career.
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