From CBS Sports · · 3m
NBA Head Coach Rankings: 2026-27 Season
NBA ranks all 30 head coaches for the 2026-27 season, highlighting playoff performance and recent success.
In brief
NBA ranks all 30 head coaches for the 2026-27 season, highlighting playoff performance and recent success. The NBA ranks 30 head coaches entering the 2026-27 season based on playoff performance and recent success. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Why Coaches Are Hard to Evaluate
Coaches juggle multiple roles: strategist, therapist, human resources manager, and public relations official without visible credit.
Ranking Challenges
Ranking coaches is incomplete at best and futile at worst due to invisible work and varying resources.
2024-2025 Turnover
Fewer coaching changes than 2024-2025, but most accomplished coaches had already been fired.
Top Coaches
Erik Spoelstra and Steve Kerr are the only coaches hired before this decade; only eight have held posts for four full seasons.
Key Traits for Ranking
Track record, performance against expectations, points of emphasis, creativity, player development, and rotation management matter most.
Playoff Performance Focus
The list prioritizes playoff success over regular-season performance, as April shows the true test.
Recent Performance Matters
Recent success is critical, as the NBA changes quickly and coaches must adapt to new dynamics.
30. Doug Christie, Kings
Kings had no redeeming qualities last season, ranking 26th in offense, 28th in defense, and 25th in rebounding.
29. Brian Keefe, Wizards
Keefe took over an interim role with the Wizards during a tank, but has no clear signs of success yet.
28. Sean Sweeney, Magic
Sweeney is a first-time head coach with an excellent reputation but ranks low due to lack of recent success.
27. Micah Nori, Trail Blazers
Nori has experience from the 2024 postseason but is a first-time head coach with limited recent success.
26. Dusty May, Mavericks
May has college head coaching experience but is a first-time NBA coach with time to adjust.
25. Jamahl Mosley, Pelicans
Mosley's offensive struggles led to a 19-point second-half deficit in Game 6 of the 2026 playoffs.
24. Tuomas Iisalo, Grizzlies
Iisalo uses short shifts to keep players fresh, but has faced player frustration and turnover.
23. David Adelman, Nuggets
Adelman struggles with offensive success around Nikola Jokić and has limited playoff experience.
22. Jordi Fernandez, Nets
Fernandez has built a strong defense but struggles with playoff success despite early success.
21. Tiago Splitter, Bulls
Splitter took over immediately after opening night with a injured team but has limited playoff success.
20. JB Bickerstaff, Pistons
Bickerstaff improved defense but lacks playoff success despite strong regular-season performance.
19. Jordan Ott, Suns
Ott's debut season with the Suns improved defense and hustle stats significantly.
18. Nick Nurse, 76ers
Nurse has a strong track record but faces playoff challenges with recent trades and injuries.
At a glance
The NBA ranks 30 head coaches entering the 2026-27 season based on playoff performance and recent success.
