The Best Head Coaches in the NBA

The role of head coach in the NBA is one that is often thankless and underrated.

When everything goes well, the players get the praise. When things go bad, management fires the coach.

Now, of course, there are always exceptions to the rule—those coaches whose reputations alone make them bigger than the team they work for.

Looking back at this past season, and ahead to the 2008-09 season, LayupDrill.com assesses every team's leader, from the best to the worst. You might be surprised that the worst teams in the NBA don’t necessarily have the worst coaches.

Editors Note: Records do not reflect games this season.

Head of the Class

These are the best of the best at what they do right now. If your team is lucky enough to have one of these masterminds running your squad, rejoice.

Doc Rivers - Boston Celtics

Let's set aside the magical turnaround Doc and the Big Three had in Boston this past season. Since joining the coaching ranks with Orlando in 1999, Rivers has been one of the best on the sidelines, year in and year out. Sometimes it was not readily apparent in terms of wins and losses—but as a teacher, mentor, and leader, Doc’s passion for what he does is unparalleled.

Record with Boston 168-160
Overall 339 - 328

Gregg Popovich - San Antonio Spurs

Popovich, or Pop as he’s known to his team, also is dynamic leader, who over the last decade has led the Spurs to four NBA titles. He has coached two first-ballot Hall of Famers, Tim Duncan and David Robinson, and developed Tony Parker, Manu Ginobilli, and countless others into solid NBA players.

Record with San Antonio
Overall 632-302

Jerry Sloan - Utah Jazz

Entering his 20th season in Salt Lake City, Utah head coach Jerry Sloan has been a symbol of consistency. In 19 seasons, he has only missed the playoffs three times—a stretch earlier this decade, before the new era was ushered in by Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer.

Sloan coached one of the greatest duos in NBA history in Karl Malone and John Stockton, and reached the NBA Finals twice, losing both times to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.

Record with Utah 995-596
Overall 1089-717

Phil Jackson - Los Angeles Lakers

What can’t you say about Phil Jackson? Nine championships coaching, including an incredible three different three-peats. Phil has coached four of the greatest players in NBA history—Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Shaq, and Kobe.

Though his last two trips to the NBA Finals ended up in defeats (to Detroit and Boston), the drive and hunger for that elusive 10th ring still burns for Phil. His window of opportunity to capture that title is closing fast, and all hopes will rest on the shoulders of Kobe and company in LA this season.

Record with LA 144-102
Overall 976-418

Byron Scott - New Orleans Hornets

Like many of his other counterparts, Byron Scott has achieved coaching success in different locations. Scott received his first head coaching position in New Jersey in 2000, and within a few seasons, was able to turnaround a pitiful franchise into a force in the East, and two NBA Finals appearances.

Scott would later leave NJ and head to New Orleans, where with young Chris Paul, the Hornets are poised to be one of the teams to beat in the West for a long time to come.

Record with New Orleans 151-177
Overall 300-316

Honorable Mention

Stan Van Gundy - Orlando Magic
Mike D’Antoni - New York Knicks
Sam Mitchell - Toronto Raptors
Larry Brown - Charlotte Bobcats