Being a head coach in the NBA brings a ton of uncertainty. It can be rewarding if you are put in an extraordinary situation or a career-ender if you stumble to manage your team. There is no in-between. Not everybody is qualified to coach. Bold signings like Steve Nash and Derek Fisher never panned out in the league despite having played in the NBA for a long time.
Many guys who turned out to be successful coaches never played in the league but did have some basketball background, like playing in the NCAA or experience at the highest level overseas. The job requires countless hours behind the scenes, game plans, team practices, and watching films to prepare for the games against opposing teams during their campaign.
With all that said, let’s rank all the 30 team head coaches for the 2024-2025 NBA season from worst to first.
Who are the top head coaches in the NBA today?
30. Jordi Fernandez (Brooklyn Nets)
Canada’s Spanish coach Jordi Fernandez gives instructions in the men’s quarterfinal basketball match between France and Canada during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris on August 6, 2024. (Photo by Damien MEYER / AFP) (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images)
Fernandez is one of those head coaches who took the long road to build his career overseas before coming to the NBA in 2009. No doubt he’s a good coach with an extensive background, but he truly needs a miracle to steer this roster into playoff contention. The general rule of thumb when it comes to rebuilding is to have young guys come in and learn from their mistakes. The Nets have a wide mix of veterans who are trying to play well enough to earn their next big contract.
29. Chauncey Billups (Portland Trail Blazers)
PORTLAND, OREGON – APRIL 12: Head coach Chauncey Billups of the Portland Trail Blazers calls out to players during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Moda Center on April 12, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
Billups is respected by his players, and that’s usually a good sign as a coach in the league. However, the results have been far from pretty since his tenure started with the Blazers in 2021. Even with a competent roster, Billups has struggled to make them competitive. He also has a poor track record in developing prospects.
28. Brian Keefe (Washington Wizards)
Washington Wizards head coach Brian Keefe departs a news conference at Wizards media day ahead of the NBA season at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, September 30, 2024. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
Before his stint with the Wizards, Keefe was hired as an assistant coach by the Nets and was tasked to improve their defense. It’s safe to say that after an 8-31 record with the Wizards last season, his specialty on the defensive side of the floor has not yet materialized for this team.
27. Billy Donovan (Chicago Bulls)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 16: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of a preseason game at the United Center on October 16, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Donovan is not necessarily a bad NBA head coach, but he is overreliant on his star players on a nightly basis. Whenever one of his stars sits, you can expect the opposing team to make a run and put the game out of reach.
26. Doc Rivers (Milwaukee Bucks)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 10: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to an officials call during the first half of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on October 10, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Fans have long clamored that Rivers’s heyday as an NBA head coach is overdue. The Bucks were a trainwreck after he assumed responsibilities from former coach Adrian Griffin midway through the 2023-2024 season. He had one good year, and that was with Boston in 2008. Other than that, he’s a well-known playoff choker among the media and the fans.
25. Quin Snyder (Atlanta Hawks)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 14: Head coach Quin Snyder of the Atlanta Hawks looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at State Farm Arena on October 14, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
After the Dejounte Murray experiment failed, it’s quite surprising that Snyder hasn’t received the boot yet going into the 2024-2025 season. He is good with X and O’s but has trouble managing stars in the past. If the losses keep piling up to start the year, Snyder’s tenure with the Hawks might end prematurely.
Also Read: Ranking All 30 NBA Team Head Coaches For 2023 From WORST To FIRST
24. Charles Lee (Charlotte Hornets)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 11: Associate head coach Charles Lee of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half of a preseason game at United Center on October 11, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
For context, Lee has won two championships as an assistant coach in the NBA before signing with the Hornets in the offseason. He was Boston’s top assistant during their title run in 2024. This might be a very good signing by the Hornets, as Lee is well-respected among the coaches’ circle.
23. Darko Rajakovic (Toronto Raptors)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 07: Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković reacts during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on February 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Rajakovic’s first year with the Raptors was a solid C. There were areas that needed improvement, and the expectations could be met in year two. Losing OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam definitely affected his duties from the sidelines, but he has done an admirable job developing his young players.
22. Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
INDEPENDENCE, OHIO – JULY 01: Kenny Atkinson the new head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to the media during a press conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts on July 01, 2024 in Independence, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Out with Bickerstaff and in with Atkinson. The Cavs are on a mission to become one of the best teams in the East right now, and Atkinson has his work cut out for him. He inherits a roster that is full of redundancy in multiple positions. Can he pull it off and turn their perceived disadvantage into an advantage? He has the coaching background to do so.
21. JJ Redick (Los Angeles Lakers)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 17: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of the preseason NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on October 17, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
This ranking might be a bit too high for a newbie NBA head coach like JJ Redick, but if we are to believe all the reports coming from the Lakers camp, he has been fantastic so far in his job. It also doesn’t hurt that before all this fiasco, Redick and LeBron James had a successful joint podcast together earlier this year. Redick has played his cards well, as he has been meticulously active with the Lakers since joining them over the summer.
20. J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach of the Detroit Pistons J.B. Bickerstaff poses for a portrait during media day at Little Caesars Arena on September 30, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
J.B. Bickerstaff is an underrated NBA head coach. The job he has done for the Cavaliers in the past few years was excellent. He now has his hands full on a rebuilding team like the Pistons, which was a disaster after Monty Williams’s tenure.
19. Will Hardy (Utah Jazz)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – OCTOBER 04: Head Coach Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz talks to Walker Kessler #24 during a game against the New Zealand Breakers on October 04, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
One of the youngest coaches in the NBA right now, Hardy has done an admirable job with the Jazz. It’s not his fault that the current roster construction is mediocre at best, as the ownership wants to stay competitive during the rebuilding process. He is good at developing young talent and rejuvenating the careers of has-beens.
18. Taylor Jenkins (Memphis Grizzlies)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 10: Zach Edey #14 and Head Coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum on October 10, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Due to Morant’s absence, the Grizzlies suffered a massive setback last season after years of progress. Jenkins had to be creative with his coaching, and that led to the discovery of talented guys who were once perceived as fringe NBA players. This is a huge year for Jenkins and the Grizzlies. They are adamant to continue their success on the court with everybody back healthy.
17. Willie Green (New Orleans Pelicans)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 27: (EDITORS NOTE: Alternate crop.) New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green looks on during the first quarter of Game Three of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Smoothie King Center O on April 27, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Green has yet to taste playoff success with the Pelicans since his tenure started in 2021. However, most of his bad luck came from injuries to his players, particularly Zion Williamson. Despite all of the setbacks, Green has done a great job making this team competitive night in and night out.
16. Jamahl Mosley (Orlando Magic)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 22: Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic reacts during the fourth quarter of game two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 22, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Magic 96-86. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Mosley has done an awesome job so far and truly worked his magic for this young Orlando team. Even though they weren’t projected to become a playoff team last season, they defied all expectations and secured a guaranteed postseason spot in the East. His background as a development coach paid off for this up-and-coming franchise.
15. Mike Budenholzer (Phoenix Suns)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 17: Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns is introduced before the preseason NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Footprint Center on October 17, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
After sitting out for the 2023-2024 season, Mike Budenholzer is back as a head coach in the NBA. If there’s a coach right now who knows how to handle the trio of Durant, Booker, and Beal, you can bet it’s Budenholzer. He has experience in how to win at the highest level.
14. Mike Brown (Sacramento Kings)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 17: Head coach Mike Brown of the Sacramento Kings reacts on the sidelines during the first half against the LA Clippers in a pre-season game at Intuit Dome on October 17, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Despite winning a couple of NBA Coach of the Year awards throughout his career, Brown failed to steer the Kings to a guaranteed playoff spot last season despite having an intact roster. Bigger things are expected from him and his team this year due to the addition of DeMar DeRozan.
13. Nick Nurse (Philadelphia 76ers)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 02: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers calls out a play against the New York Knicks during the first quarter of game six of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on May 02, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
While Nurse is a good head coach, it feels like he’s lost a step or two during his time with the Sixers. Embiid still has not reached the Conference Finals in his career, and with the East becoming loaded, the path will get harder for them this season. But if there’s a coach who can maximize the talent on his roster despite inconsistencies and injury woes, it’s Nick Nurse.
12. Ime Udoka (Houston Rockets)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Head Coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets speaks with Jalen Green #4 during the first half of a preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Have you seen Houston play in the preseason? They are a fun squad to watch. It looks like this will be a great season for Udoka and the Rockets. The game has finally slowed down for their young guns, and they are playing with a renewed sense of purpose. With Udoka’s guidance, they are going to be a dark horse team in the Western Conference this year.
11. Chris Finch (Minnesota Timberwolves)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 16: Head coach Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half of a preseason game at the United Center on October 16, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Finch did a great job with the Wolves last season. In such a short span, they went from nobody to possible contenders. Rudy Gobert won his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award, and Anthony Edwards elevated his game to newer heights. While it remains to be seen how the Wolves will perform this season with Karl-Anthony Towns gone, the optimism to have another good year is at an all-time high.
10. Tyronne Lue (Los Angeles Clippers)
HONOLULU, HAWAII – OCTOBER 5: Head coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers gestures to his players during the first half of an exhibition game against the Golden State Warriors at SimpliFi Arena on October 5, 2024 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
Lue does not get enough credit for how difficult it is to coach a team like the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is constantly injured, and James Harden’s game has aged the opposite of a fine wine. With Paul George out of the picture, the 2024-2025 season will get tougher for Lue and for the rest of his coaching staff.
9. Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City Thunder)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – OCTOBER 07: Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder slaps hands with Chet Holmgren #7 before a preseason game at Frost Bank Center on October 7, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Daigneault had his fair share of highs and lows with OKC. They were one of the top teams in the loaded Western Conference last season. However, they faltered against the Mavs despite employing a foolproof game plan to slow down Luka Doncic in the playoffs. With a new-look roster, expect Daigneault to learn from his mistakes and make this young Thunder squad as deadly as ever in their campaign this year.
8. Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks)
DALLAS, TEXAS – JUNE 14: Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd reacts during the first half against the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 14, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Kidd is not a good X and O kind of guy on the floor. What he does well is motivate. He is a good motivator for the Mavs, especially when things get tough during a game. It also does not hurt that he has Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving at his disposal whenever the team needs timely buckets to make the game winnable. But don’t make the mistake of underestimating Kidd. He has steered this team to a couple of Western Conference Finals appearances and an NBA Finals, too.
7. Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 11: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, from left, Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 pose for photos during an Olympic Gold Medal recognition ceremony before their preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on October 11, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Did the legendary Steve Kerr lose his magic touch as an NBA head coach? Perhaps yes and no. The Warriors’ core players are aging. While Steph Curry remains as dominant as ever, the same can’t be said for the rest of the team. Kerr failed to contain Draymond Green’s outbursts, which led to multiple suspensions. He also had communication issues with Klay Thompson throughout the year, which led the latter to leave the Dubs and sign with the Mavs over the summer.
6. Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 08: Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on October 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
What defense? Carlisle transformed the Pacers into offensive juggernauts in just his first season with the team. They had the pieces to do it, too, with Tyrese Haliburton at the point. The addition of Pascal Siakam via the trade deadline made them a more potent team on the court. The expectations for them this year are at an all-time high.
5. Mike Malone (Denver Nuggets)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 12: Head coach Michael Malone interacts with Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter in the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Target Center on May 12, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Malone and the Nuggets struggled to repeat as champs as the Western Conference became too competitive to their liking. With Jamal Murray’s inconsistencies, Malone had no choice but to rely upon Jokic to steer the team out of tough situations. It’s hard to bet against the Nuggets with Malone at the helm. It’s safe to say that they will remain one of the top teams in the NBA this year.
4. Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 17 Victor Wembanyama #1 and head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talk before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Moody Center on March 17, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Regardless of San Antonio’s record, Popovich remains one of the best head coaches in the NBA. Have you seen Victor Wembanyama’s development from October to April? He was as good as advertised, maybe even more. We just hope that Pop will still be as witty as ever when the Spurs become a dynasty again in the very near future.
3. Tom Thibodeau (New York Knicks)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 14: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks directs his team during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on May 14, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 121-91. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
You have to admire Coach Thibs’s resilience. Even when the Knicks were decimated by injuries, they still had a great postseason run. He demanded his players to play above their capabilities, and the results were fantastic. Jalen Brunson became a superstar for them, and the rest of the team played above expectations. With a pretty loaded roster for the 2024-2025 season, it won’t be surprising if the Knicks make their first Finals appearance since 1999.
2. Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 18: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat reacts during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 18, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
One of the longest-tenured head coaches in the NBA right now, Coach Spo is as savvy as it gets when it comes to leading a team to repeated success. He’s a student of the game and calls out plays before his players can even see them in real-time. Plus, nobody ever counts out the Heat, especially in the playoffs. Everybody knows that they can get into a higher gear when the real games start.
1. Joe Mazzulla (Boston Celtics)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 04: Head Coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics looks on during the NBA match between Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics at Etihad Arena on October 04, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
At just 36, Mazzulla is the best head coach in the NBA right now. While it’s easy to point out that he inherited an already-loaded roster a couple of years ago, the job he has done with it, especially with the Celtics’ recent success, has been remarkable. Mazzulla is obsessed with the game of basketball. He deflects any credit and preaches to his players not to be content with what they have achieved. In addition, his mental toughness has been praised by every member of the Boston Celtics organization. He’s as stoic as it gets.
