NBA
HomeScoresRumorsHighlightsDraftB/R 99: Ranking Best NBA Players
Featured Video
🚨 Pistons Overcome 3-1 Deficit
15 Dec 2000:   Head Coach Sydney Lowe of the Vancouver Grizzlies looks on from the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.  The Lakers defeated the Grizzlies 92-90.     NOTE TO USER: It is
15 Dec 2000: Head Coach Sydney Lowe of the Vancouver Grizzlies looks on from the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Grizzlies 92-90. NOTE TO USER: It isTodd Warshaw/Getty Images

NBA Power Rankings: The 50 Worst Coaches in NBA History

Jack WinterNov 17, 2010

Red Auerbach, Phil Jackson, Chuck Daly and Pat Riley. These are four names you won't find on Bleacher Report's list of the 50 worst coaches in NBA history.

Several factors went into compiling this esteemed ranking of coaches, though one trumped all. As they say, you are what your record says you are.

No sympathy was given to head men of perpetually losing franchises like the Clippers and Grizzlies. The best coaches get the most out of their talent, no matter how much it's lacking.

On this list are Hall of Fame players, star college coaches and three coaches currently employed in the NBA.

It goes to show that success as a player doesn't translate to the clipboard, wins are easier for some to come by in the NCAA and that some franchises are just as inept today as they were since the league's inception.

Following is a power ranking of the 50 worst coaches in the history of the NBA.

No. 50: John Calipari

1 of 50
26 Apr 1998:  New Jersey Nets head coach John Calipari looks on during a First Round Playoff Game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Nets 96-91.
26 Apr 1998: New Jersey Nets head coach John Calipari looks on during a First Round Playoff Game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Nets 96-91.

Career Record: 72-122, .396 WP

Teams: New Jersey Nets 1996-1999

Note: Calipari, despite his NBA record, is one of the most successful—and controversial—college coaches in history. He is the current head man at the University of Kentucky.

No. 49: Willis Reed

2 of 50
LOS ANGELES - 1988:  Head Coach Willis Reed of the New Jersey Nets calls a play during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, California in 1988. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by
LOS ANGELES - 1988: Head Coach Willis Reed of the New Jersey Nets calls a play during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, California in 1988. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Career Record: 82-124, .398 WP

Teams: New York Knicks 1977-1979 and New Jersey Nets 1987-1989

No. 48: Wes Unseld

3 of 50
7 Feb 1995: Wes Unseld former NBA Great looks on during a game against Maryland Terrapins and UNC Tar Heels.   Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger  /Allsport
7 Feb 1995: Wes Unseld former NBA Great looks on during a game against Maryland Terrapins and UNC Tar Heels. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport

Career Record: 202-345, .369 WP

Teams: Washington Bullets 1987-1994

TOP NEWS

Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns - Play-In Tournament
Los Angeles Lakers v Indiana Pacers
Philadelphia 76ers v Boston Celtics - Game Seven

No. 47: Dick Vitale

4 of 50

Career Record: 34-60, .362 WP

Teams: Detroit Pistons 1978-1980

No. 46: Garry St. Jean

5 of 50

Career Record: 172-278, .382 WP

Teams: Sacramento Kings 1992-1997 and Golden State Warriors 1999-2000

No. 45: Tom Sanders

6 of 50

Career Record: 23-39, .371 WP

Teams: Boston Celtics 1977-1979

No. 44: Scotty Robertson

7 of 50

Career Record: 109-178, .380 WP

Teams: New Orleans Jazz 1974-1975, Chicago Bulls 1978-1979 and Detroit Pistons 1980-1983

No. 43: Jack McKinney

8 of 50

Career Record: 136-215, .387 WP

Teams: Los Angeles Lakers 1979-1980, Indiana Pacers 1980-1984 and Kansas City Kings 1984-1985

No. 42: Elgin Baylor

9 of 50
INGLEWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 16:  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain sit on the court during Earvin 'Magic' Johnson's retirement ceremony from the Los Angeles Lakers on February 16, 1992 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood,
INGLEWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain sit on the court during Earvin 'Magic' Johnson's retirement ceremony from the Los Angeles Lakers on February 16, 1992 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood,

Career Record: 86-135, .389 WP

Teams: New Orleans Jazz 1974-1979

Note: Baylor was almost as bad in the front office as he was on the bench. As Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Clippers from 1986-2008, LA's other team won just a single playoff series.

No. 41: Johnny Bach

10 of 50

Career Record: 95-172, .356 WP

Teams: Golden State Warriors 1979-1980 and 1983-1986

No. 40: Lon Kruger

11 of 50
10 Oct 2000:  Head Coach Lon Kruger of the Atlanta Hawks watches the action during the pre-season game against the Orlando Magic at the TD Waterhouse Arena in Orlando, Florida.  The Magic defeated the Hawks 105-83.  NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understoo
10 Oct 2000: Head Coach Lon Kruger of the Atlanta Hawks watches the action during the pre-season game against the Orlando Magic at the TD Waterhouse Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Hawks 105-83. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understoo

Career Record: 69-122, .361 WP

Teams: Atlanta Hawks 2000-2003

No. 39: Richie Adubato

12 of 50

Career Record: 127-240, .346 WP

Teams: Detroit Pistons 1979-1980, Dallas Mavericks 1990-1993 and Orlando Magic 1996-1997

No. 38: Johnny Davis

13 of 50
MIAMI - DECEMBER 19:  Head coach Johnny Davis of the Orlando Magic reacts to his team's game against the Miami Heat on December 19, 2004 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downl
MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Head coach Johnny Davis of the Orlando Magic reacts to his team's game against the Miami Heat on December 19, 2004 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downl

Career Record: 73-146, .333 WP

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers 1996-1997, Orlando Magic 2003-2005 and Memphis Grizzlies 2008-2009

No. 37: Darrell Walker

14 of 50
9 Aug 2000:  Coach Darrell Walker of the Washington Mystics looks on during the game against the Cleveland Rockers at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C.  The Mystics defeated the Rockers 60-48.  NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only right
9 Aug 2000: Coach Darrell Walker of the Washington Mystics looks on during the game against the Cleveland Rockers at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. The Mystics defeated the Rockers 60-48. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only right

Career Record: 56-113, .331 WP

Teams: Toronto Raptors 1996-1998 and Washington Wizards 1999-2000

No. 36: Dave DeBusschere

15 of 50

Career Record: 79-143, .356 WP

Teams: Detroit Pistons 1964-1967

No. 35: Jerry Reynolds

16 of 50

Career Record: 56-114, .329 WP

Teams: Sacramento Kings 1986-1990

No. 34: Slater Martin

17 of 50

Career Record: 37-61, .378 WP

Teams: St. Louis Spirits 1956-1957 and Houston Mavericks 1967-1969

No. 33: Bob MacKinnon

18 of 50

Career Record: 57-120, .322 WP

Teams: St. Louis Spirits 1974-1975, Buffalo Braves 1976-1977 and New Jersey Nets 1980-1981 and 1987-1988

No. 32: Frank Hamblen

19 of 50
LOS ANGELES - JUNE 4:  Head coach Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers signals triangle defense as assistant coach Frank Hamblen looks on during Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on June 4, 2000
LOS ANGELES - JUNE 4: Head coach Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers signals triangle defense as assistant coach Frank Hamblen looks on during Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on June 4, 2000

Career Record: 33-71, .317 WP

Teams: Milwaukee Bucks 1991-1992 and Los Angeles Lakers 2004-2005

No. 31: Randy Wittman

20 of 50
INDIANAPOLIS - OCTOBER 19:  Head coach Randy Wittman of the Minnesota Timberwolves on the sidelines against the Indiana Pacers October 19, 2007 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - OCTOBER 19: Head coach Randy Wittman of the Minnesota Timberwolves on the sidelines against the Indiana Pacers October 19, 2007 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Career Record: 100-207, .326 WP

Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers 1999-2001 and Minnesota Timberwolves 2006-2009

No. 30: Larry Krystkowiak

21 of 50
MILWAUKEE - APRIL 08: Head coach Larry Krystkowiak of the Milwaukee Bucksgives instructions to his team against of the Boston Celtics on April 8, 2008 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Celktics defeated the Bucks 107-104 in overtime. NOTE
MILWAUKEE - APRIL 08: Head coach Larry Krystkowiak of the Milwaukee Bucksgives instructions to his team against of the Boston Celtics on April 8, 2008 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Celktics defeated the Bucks 107-104 in overtime. NOTE

Career Record: 31-69, .310 WP

Teams: Milwaukee Bucks 2006-2008

No. 29: Johnny "Red" Kerr

22 of 50

Career Record: 93-190, .329 WP

Teams: Chicago Bulls 1966-1968 and Phoenix Suns 1968-1970

No. 28: George Irvine

23 of 50
9 Dec 2000:  Head Coach George Irvine  of the Detroit Pistons stands on the sidelines during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at The Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. The Trailblazers defeated the Pistons 114-83.   NOTE TO USER: It is expressly un
9 Dec 2000: Head Coach George Irvine of the Detroit Pistons stands on the sidelines during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at The Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. The Trailblazers defeated the Pistons 114-83. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly un

Career Record: 100-190, .345 WP

Teams: Indiana Pacers 1984-1986 and 1988-1989, Detroit Pistons 1999-2001

No. 27: Bill Cartwright

24 of 50
CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 7:  Head coach Bill Cartwright of the Chicago Bulls yells instructions to his team during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers November 7, 2003 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The 76ers defeated the Bulls 106-85. NOTE TO USE
CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 7: Head coach Bill Cartwright of the Chicago Bulls yells instructions to his team during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers November 7, 2003 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The 76ers defeated the Bulls 106-85. NOTE TO USE

Career Record: 51-100, .338 WP

Teams: Chicago Bulls 2001-2004

No. 26: Rolland Todd

25 of 50

Career Record: 41-97, .297 WP

Teams: Portland Trail Blazers 1970-1972

No. 25: Ron Rothstein

26 of 50
30 Jul 2000:  Coach Ron Rothstein of the Miami Sol watches from the bench during the game against the Seattle Storm at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Sol defeated the Storm 64-51.    NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights
30 Jul 2000: Coach Ron Rothstein of the Miami Sol watches from the bench during the game against the Seattle Storm at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Sol defeated the Storm 64-51. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights

Career Record: 97-231, .296 WP

Teams: Miami Heat 1988-1991 and Detroit Pistons 1992-1993

No. 24: Brendan Malone

27 of 50
CHICAGO - MARCH 31:  Head coach Brendan Malone of the Cleveland Cavaliers yells during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 31, 2005 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Cavaliers 102-90 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User
CHICAGO - MARCH 31: Head coach Brendan Malone of the Cleveland Cavaliers yells during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 31, 2005 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Cavaliers 102-90 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User

Career Record: 29-71, .290 WP

Teams: Toronto Raptors 1995-1996 and Cleveland Cavaliers 2004-2005

No. 23: John Kuester

28 of 50
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 17:  Detroit Pistons head coach John Kuester calls out a play against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 17, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Pistons 106-93.  NOTE TO USER: User expressl
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 17: Detroit Pistons head coach John Kuester calls out a play against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 17, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Pistons 106-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressl

Career Record: 29-61, .322 WP

Teams: Detroit Pistons 2009-Present

Note: Kuester's fortunes likely won't improve as the season wears on. Detroit has one of the most dumbfounding rosters in the league this season. They have multiple combo guards on the roster but no true PG, and several power forwards but no true C.

GM Joe Dumars hasn't done Kuester any favors, but there are some coaches who could make a team of that jumbled mess.

No. 22: Eddie Donovan

29 of 50

Career Record: 84-194, .302 WP

Teams: New York Knicks 1961-1965

No. 21: Jack McCloskey

30 of 50

Career Record: 48-116, .293 WP

Teams: Portland Trail Blazers 1972-1974

No. 20: M.L. Carr

31 of 50
31 Jan 1996:  M.L. Carr of the Boston Celtics kneels on the sidelines during a game against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Celtics 104-99.   Mandatory Credit: Allsport  /Allsport
31 Jan 1996: M.L. Carr of the Boston Celtics kneels on the sidelines during a game against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Celtics 104-99. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport

Career Record: 48-116, .293 WP

Teams: Boston Celtics 1995-1997

No. 19: Fred Carter

32 of 50

Career Record: 32-76, .296 WP

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers 1992-1994

No. 18: Earl Lloyd

33 of 50

Career Record: 22-55, .286 WP

Teams: Detroit Pistons 1971-1973

Note: League's first black head coach.

No. 17: Bill Musselman

34 of 50

Career Record: 85-210, .288 WP

Teams: San Diego Sails 1975-1976, Virginia Squires 1975-1976, Cleveland Cavaliers 1980-1982 and Minnesota Timberwolves 1989-1991

No. 16: Gene Littles

35 of 50

Career Record: 44-111, .284 WP

Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers 1985-1986, Chicago Bulls 1989-1991 and Denver Nuggets 1994-1995

No. 15: Jim Cleamons

36 of 50
2 Dec 1996: Dallas Mavericks head coach Jim Cleamons looks on during a game against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Mavericks won the game, 108-102.
2 Dec 1996: Dallas Mavericks head coach Jim Cleamons looks on during a game against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Mavericks won the game, 108-102.

Career Record: 28-70, .286 WP

Teams: Dallas Mavericks 1996-1998

No. 14: Marc Iavaroni

37 of 50
MILWAUKEE - NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Marc Iavaroni of the Memphis Grizzlies watches the action against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 14, 2007 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The Bucks won 102-99.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges
MILWAUKEE - NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Marc Iavaroni of the Memphis Grizzlies watches the action against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 14, 2007 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks won 102-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

Career Record: 33-90, .268 WP

Teams: Memphis Grizzlies 2007-2009

No. 13: Andrew Levane

38 of 50

Career Record: 106-170, .284 WP

Teams: Milwaukee Hawks 1952-1954, New York Knicks 1958-1960 and St. Louis Hawks 1961-1962

No. 12: Bruce Hale

39 of 50

Career Record: 26-69, .274 WP

Teams: Indianapolis Jets 1948-1949 and Oakland Oaks 1967-1968

No. 11: Bill Blair

40 of 50
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Bill Blair looks on during a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Bill Blair looks on during a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.

Career Record: 29-79, .269 WP

Teams: New Jersey Nets 1982-1983 and Minnesota Timberwolves 1994-1996

No. 10: Tim Floyd

41 of 50
4 Dec 2001:  Head coach Tim Floyd of the Chicago Bulls stands on the sideline during the NBA game against the Houston Rockets at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.  The Bulls crushed the Rockets 103-75.Mandatory Credit:  Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
4 Dec 2001: Head coach Tim Floyd of the Chicago Bulls stands on the sideline during the NBA game against the Houston Rockets at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls crushed the Rockets 103-75.Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Career Record: 90-231, .280 WP

Teams: Chicago Bulls 1998-2002 and New Orleans Hornets 2003-2004

Note: Floyd was dealt a tough hand when he took over the Bulls as the post-Michael Jordan era began. Still, he couldn't get anything out of the Baby Bulls.

No. 9: Kurt Rambis

42 of 50
PHOENIX - MARCH 16:  Head coach Kurt Rambis of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on March 16, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 152-114.  NOTE TO USER: User expre
PHOENIX - MARCH 16: Head coach Kurt Rambis of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on March 16, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 152-114. NOTE TO USER: User expre

Career Record: 40-87, .196 WP

Teams: Los Angeles Lakers 1998-1999, Minnesota Timberwolves 2009-Present

Note: The primary reason Rambis is so high on this list is because of his refusal to play PF Kevin Love starter's minutes early in the 2010-2011 season.

In the first game Love played that he was on the floor for more than 31 minutes, he posted 23 points and 24 rebounds. Two games later (and after logging 28 minutes in the game previous), he put up the now legendary stat line of 31 points and 31 rebounds.

Given his recent dominance, it appears not even the stupidity of Rambis will be enough to keep Love on the bench.

No. 8: Johnny McCarthy

43 of 50

Career Record: 22-59, .272 WP

Teams: Buffalo Braves 1971-1972

No. 7: Gar Heard

44 of 50
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 8:  Assitant coach Garfield Heard of the Detroit Pistons  yells on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on November 8, 2004 in Los Angeles, California.  Pistons head coach Larry Brown is o
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 8: Assitant coach Garfield Heard of the Detroit Pistons yells on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on November 8, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. Pistons head coach Larry Brown is o

Career Record: 23-74, .237 WP

Teams: Dallas Mavericks 1992-1993 and Washington Wizards 1999-2000

No. 6: Leonard Hamilton

45 of 50
1 Nov 2000:  Head Coach Leonard Hamilton of the Washington Wizards watches the action on the court during the game against the  Charlotte Hornets at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Wizards defeated the Hornets 95-77. NOTE TO USER:
1 Nov 2000: Head Coach Leonard Hamilton of the Washington Wizards watches the action on the court during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Wizards defeated the Hornets 95-77. NOTE TO USER:

Career Record: 19-63, .232 WP

Teams: Washington Wizards 2000-2001

Note: Hamilton has found much greater success at the collegiate level, as over the years he's established Florida State as one of the better teams in the ACC.

No. 5: Jim Todd

46 of 50

Career Record: 4-33, .108 WP

Teams: Los Angeles Clippers 1999-2000

No. 4: Dick Harter

47 of 50
CHARLOTTE, NC - 1989:  Head coach Dick Harter of the Charlotte Hornets stands on the sideline during an NBA game at Charlotte Colesium in 1989. (Photo by Tim Defrisco/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - 1989: Head coach Dick Harter of the Charlotte Hornets stands on the sideline during an NBA game at Charlotte Colesium in 1989. (Photo by Tim Defrisco/Getty Images)

Career Record: 28-94, .230 WP

Teams: Chicago Bulls 1988-1990

No 3: Brian Winters

48 of 50
26 Nov 1996: Head coach Brian Winters of the Vancouver Grizzlies looks on during a game against the Atlanta Hawks at The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia. The Hawks won the game 101-80.
26 Nov 1996: Head coach Brian Winters of the Vancouver Grizzlies looks on during a game against the Atlanta Hawks at The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia. The Hawks won the game 101-80.

Career Record: 36-148, .196 WP

Teams: Vancouver Grizzlies 1995-1997 and Golden State Warriors 2001-2002

No. 2: Bill Hanzlik

49 of 50

Career Record: 11-71, .134 WP

Teams: Denver Nuggets 1997-1998

Note: Hanzlik led the Nuggets to the third worst regular season in the history of the league in 1998, his only season as a head coach.

No. 1: Sidney Lowe

50 of 50
15 Dec 2000:   Head Coach Sydney Lowe of the Vancouver Grizzlies tosses a basketball on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.  The Lakers defeated the Grizzlies 92-90.     NOTE TO US
15 Dec 2000: Head Coach Sydney Lowe of the Vancouver Grizzlies tosses a basketball on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Grizzlies 92-90. NOTE TO US

Career Record: 79-228, .257 WP

Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves 1992-1994 and Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies 2000-2003

Note: Lowe is the current head coach at North Carolina State and hasn't fared much better in the college ranks. In four seasons, he's yet to lead the Wolfpack to a NCAA Tournament bid.

🚨 Pistons Overcome 3-1 Deficit

TOP NEWS

Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns - Play-In Tournament
Los Angeles Lakers v Indiana Pacers
Philadelphia 76ers v Boston Celtics - Game Seven
Los Angeles Lakers v Houston Rockets - Game Six
Orlando Magic v Detroit Pistons - Game Seven

TRENDING ON B/R