Every NBA dynasty in the history of the league was led by an all-time great coach, who revolutionized the game in some way.
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In view of the greatest coaches list, all of them have one thing in common... winning.
5.) Steve Kerr
4 Championships (Golden State Warriors: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
Regular season record: 567-308 (.648)
While some may say, Steve Kerr was lucky to be a part of a successful organization, that left off from Mark Jackson's roster construction of shooters such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, there is no doubt, winning NBA championships is not about luck. That is after taking over in 2014, Kerr led the Golden State Warriors to a total of six Finals appearances (4 titles). Notably, during the 2016 season, Kerr won Coach of the Year after leading the Warriors to a 72-9 regular season record. Certainly, the former Chicago Bulls star helped revolutionize the modern NBA offense, by focusing on ball movement and three-point shooting.
4.) Pat Riley
5 Championships (4 with the Los Angeles Lakers: 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988; 1 with the Miami Heat: 2006)
Regular Season Record: 1,210-694 (.636)
Riley led Magic Johnson and the "Showtime" Lakers to multiple championships during the 80's, and finished his career helping the Miami Heat win a title in 2006. He was a 3x NBA Coach of the Year for three different organizations (1989-90- Lakers; 1992-93- Knicks; 1996-97- Heat). Not only is he considered an all-time great coach, but Riley will also be credited for his role as an executive with the Heat organization that won back-to-back championships (2012 and 2013).
3.) Red Auerbach
9 Championships (Boston Celtics: 1957, 1959-1966)
Regular Season Record: 938-479 (.662)
The pioneer of the Celtics dynasty, Auerbach will forever be remembered for his role in leading the Celtics to nine championships, including eight consecutive titles from 1959-1966. The cigar-smoking coach is well-renown for his implantations of strategic innovations on the basketball court, an architect and mastermind for one of the most dominant franchises in sports history. He later became the General Manager of the Celtics, and continued the team's success far into the 80's. To emphasize, in 29 years (1957-86) as Celtics coach/GM/team president, he helped contribute to 16 NBA championship rings.
2.) Gregg Popovich
5 Championships (San Antonio Spurs: 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
Regular Season Record: 1,422-869 (.621)
Popovich is the all-time leader in coaching wins (1,582- including playoffs), as he led the Spurs to 22 consecutive playoff appearances. He won NBA Coach of the Year 3x (2003, 2012, 2014), and was face of the Spurs franchise that promoted international talent and diversity within the NBA. Popovich recently retired in 2025 due to health reasons, but will continue to add on to his legendary resume as the Spurs' president of basketball operations.
1.) Phil Jackson
11 Championships (6 with the Chicago Bulls: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998; 5 with the Los Angeles Lakers: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010).
Regular Season Record: 1,155-485 (.704)
Jackson is the epitome of a successful coach, as he has the highest coaching win percentage in NBA history, as well as the most NBA championships as a head coach. That is, the Zen Master helped implement the "Triangle Offense," leading to multiple three-peats in both Chicago and LA. In view of his credentials, Jackson coached many of the all-time greats, including, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O'Neal.
