Ranking All 30 NBA Team Head Coaches From WORST To FIRST

Coaching in the NBA is a high-stakes, high-pressure job. The league draws a global audience with each win and loss is heavily scrutinized. Success in the position usually brings accolades and job security while failure can lead to abrupt firing. It’s a job that demands passion, dedication and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

In today’s list, we will rank all 30 NBA Head Coaches from 2023 from worst to best. We’ll take a look at how their teams performed last season and note the success or lack thereof at their time at the helm.

30. Steve Clifford – Charlotte Hornets

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 05: Head coach Steve Clifford of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 05, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 102-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Clifford has been preaching defense at the sidelines but heavily struggled to adjust in today’s faster-paced game. He’s an old-school coach handling a young run-and-gun roster. Those two usually don’t mix well.

29. Wes Unseld Jr. – Washington Wizards

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 04: Head coach Wes Unseld Jr looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena on April 04, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Unseld Jr. had Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis at his disposal but still failed to make significant strides with the team. With both players gone, Unseld Jr. will have a fresh start heading next season.

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28. Chauncey Billups – Portland Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 10: Head coach Chauncey Billups of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the third quarter of the exhibition game against the New Zealand Breakers at Moda Center on October 10, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. The Portland Trail Blazers won 106-66. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

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The verdict is still out there if the former NBA Champion is the right fit for this team. But young players respect Billups and that could be the reason why he’ll stick longer on the sidelines.

27. Darko Rajakovic – Toronto Raptors

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 17: Head coach Darko Rajaković of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on October 17, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Serbian-born Rajakovic will finally make his debut as a head coach next season for the Raptors. Many people behind the scenes have raved about his potential on the sidelines for the past several years. Will he be Nick Nurse 2.0?

26. Adrian Griffin – Milwaukee Bucks

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 08: Head coach Adrian Griffin of the Milwaukee Bucks speaks to his team during the first half of a preseason game against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on October 08, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

After serving as an assistant coach for several teams since 2008, Griffin finally got the nod to be a head coach for the Bucks. It will be a challenging job as the team’s superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo has grown uneasy about his upcoming free agency next year.

25. Billy Donovan – Chicago Bulls

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 17: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at the United Center on October 17, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Donovan has been struggling to lift the Bulls from mediocrity the last few years even with several NBA All-Stars in the roster. He’s definitely on the hot seat next season if Chicago fails to improve.

24. Jason Kidd – Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks’ head coach Jason Kidd watches during the NBA Preseason game between the Dallas Mavericks and Real Madrid Baloncesto at the Wizink centre in Madrid on October 10, 2023. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

Kidd’s first year with Dallas was underwhelming. They missed the playoffs despite having Luka Doncic mostly healthy last season. He’s not great with adjustments and rotations, but he’s respected enough by his players due to the past accolades he gathered as a player.

23. Chris Finch – Minnesota Timberwolves

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 07: Chris Finch head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves gestures during the first half of the preseason NBA game between Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks at Etihad Arena on October 07, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christopher Pike/Getty Images)

Finch has led Minnesota to back-to-back playoff appearances in the past couple of seasons. The Wolves are rightfully patient with Finch as he’s great with the X’s and O’s on the sidelines.

22. Jack Vaughn – Brooklyn Nets

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 12: Head coach Jacque Vaughn of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench against Maccabi Ra’anana during an exhibition game at Barclays Center on October 12, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Brooklyn’s surprising playoff run despite trading their superstars last season was an indication that Vaughn is a good fit for this team. Replicating that unexpected success will be hard though.

21. Quin Snyder – Atlanta Hawks

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 10: Head coach Quin Snyder and Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks converse against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on October 10, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Snyder’s offensive scheme is considered one of the best in the league. However, his teams never had any significant playoff success under his guidance. A mid-season signee, maybe he can have more success with a full training camp with this roster.

20. Jamahl Mosely – Orlando Magic

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 02: Head coach Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic poses for a portrait during the 2023-2024 Orlando Magic Media Day at AdventHealth Training Center on October 02, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Mosely has certainly looked like the right man for the job in order to steer this young Magic team into success in the near future. With an emerging Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, expect this team to grab a playoff spot next season.

19. Willie Green – New Orleans Pelicans

TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 23: Willie Green, head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the first half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 23, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

Green has done an admirable job with the Pelicans despite the slew of injuries to their stars he had to deal with within the past couple of seasons. With a healthy Zion approaching training camp, maybe Griffin could push this team to another tier.

18. JB Bickerstaff – Cleveland Cavaliers

CLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 15: Referee Nick Buchert #3 listens to head coach J.B Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers argue a call during the third quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers 118-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Cleveland failed to capitalize on their regular season success last year and bounced out of the postseason in round one. But we can’t deny the improvement of this Cavs team within the last three years with him at the helm.

17. Frank Vogel – Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 10: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 10, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 115-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

There are hefty expectations coming from Vogel and the Suns next season. They have three to four players who thrive in isolation basketball. How he’ll evenly make Booker, Durant and Beal happy with their reduced roles will be a challenge for Vogel and his coaching staff.

16. Monty Williams – Detroit Pistons

Williams is a high-character guy and well-loved by most of the players he had under his wing. After failing in Phoenix, there’s hope that he’s coaching style is best suited for a young team like Detroit.

15. Will Hardy – Utah Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – OCTOBER 16: Head coach Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the New Zealand Breakers at Delta Center on October 16, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Hardy is only 35 years old but is already gaining momentum as one of the brightest coaches in the league. He truly unlocked Lauri Markkanen’s potential and the Jazz are expected to make some serious noise next season.

14. Ime Udoka – Houston Rockets

SAN ANTONIO, TX – OCTOBER 16: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets confers with Amen Thompson #1 during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on October 16, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Udoka gets a fresh start with the young Rockets after sitting out last season due to off-the-court issues. A former player himself, Udoka has a great basketball mind and many people are excited on Houston’s potential heading into next season.

13. Nick Nurse – Philadelphia 76ers

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE – OCTOBER 14: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the Philadelphia 76ers Blue & White Scrimmage at Chase Fieldhouse on October 14, 2023 in Wilmington, Delaware. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Nurse is definitely an upgrade over Doc Rivers. If somebody can get this team over the hump and play to its full potential, it’s Nurse. After all, Nurse knows a thing or two about unlocking a player’s full potential.

12. Darvin Ham – Los Angeles Lakers

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 09: Head coach Darvin Ham of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at T-Mobile Arena on October 09, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Lakers defeated the Nets 129-126. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

It’s really hard to judge Ham’s success with the Lakers. GM Rob Pelinka pulled off some miracles in last season’s trade deadline. With a full training camp, there’s optimism that Ham can make this team serious contenders next season.

11. Taylor Jenkins – Memphis Grizzlies

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 07: Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Jenkins knows how to develop young talents under his wing. The team could’ve made a deep run in the playoffs but Ja Morant’s off-court issue really hindered this team’s chemistry. Jenkins is hoping for a great training camp for this team to jell.

10. Mark Daigneault – Oklahoma City Thunder

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 31: Mark Daigneault the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder against Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 31, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Just in his third year with Oklahoma City, Daigneault was already a runner-up for the NBA Coach of the Year last season. He truly unlocked the potential of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.

9. Tyronne Lue – Los Angeles Clippers

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 10: Head coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers reacts against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter of the Rain City Showcase in a preseason NBA game at Climate Pledge Arena on October 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Lue’s time with the Clippers has been underwhelming but it’s not entirely his fault. Despite missing his stars due to the infamous load management, he still gathered enough wins to qualify for the playoffs.

8. Tom Thibodeau – New York Knicks

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 09: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half of a preseason game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on October 09, 2023 in New York City. The Knicks won 114-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Thibodeau is one of the hardest-working coaches in the league. However, he has a reputation for squeezing the miles on his star players, often playing them a ton on a nightly basis. Nonetheless, he made the Knicks relevant again after their surprising playoff run last season.

7. Joe Mazzulla – Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 17: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla directs his team during the second quarter of the Celtic’s preseason game against the New York Knicks at TD Garden on October 17, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Mazzulla has done an exceptional job with the Celtics last season despite being thrust to the job because of Udoka’s scandal. There were questionable adjustments in the playoffs but that could be forgiven due to his inexperience at that level.

6. Rick Carlisle – Indiana Pacers

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 09: Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers directs his team in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 09, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Carlisle has been one of the best coaches in the league for the past couple of decades. Recently, he’s been tasked to lead and instill a winning culture in Indiana. The team made strides in his first year with the team and made Haliburton an All-Star in the process.

5. Mike Brown – Sacramento Kings

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 30: Head coach Mike Brown of the Sacramento Kings reacts during game seven of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Golden 1 Center on April 30, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Brown’s coaching style drastically evolved from being boring to exciting after his assistant coaching gig with the Warriors. He implemented what he learned under Steve Kerr and applied it to Sacramento last season. He guided the Kings to its first playoff berth since 2006.

4. Steve Kerr – Golden State Warriors

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors signals court side against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half in a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena on October 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Kerr has drawn flak because he basically inherited this Warriors team after Mark Jackson’s exceptional developmental job with its then-young core. But Kerr has won four titles throughout his Warriors tenure. How he will incorporate Chris Paul in this roster remains to be seen.

3. Gregg Popovich – San Antonio Spurs

SAN ANTONIO, TX – OCTOBER 02: Gregg Popovich head coach of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a question during San Antonio Media Day at 21 Spurs Lane on October 2, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

It’s such as shame that one of the best coaches ever has been accumulating several losing seasons under his resume in recent years. The team has a plethora of young role players but none of them are potential superstars. But this will definitely change with the arrival of Victor Wembanyama next season.

2. Mike Malone – Denver Nuggets

DENVER, COLORADO – JUNE 15: Head coach Michael Malone reacts during the Denver Nuggets victory parade and rally after winning the 2023 NBA Championship at Civic Center Park on June 15, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Kudos to the Nuggets for sticking with Malone despite his early playoff blunders. He finally became a championship coach after guiding Denver to their first NBA championship last season. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s coaching the best player in the league right now.

1. Erik Spoelstra – Miami Heat

MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 2: Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra speaks to reporters during media day at Kaseya Center on October 2, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Navarro/Getty Images)

Spoelstra and the Miami Heat have been credited as the best organizations when it comes to developing unheralded players. Miami had no business in the NBA Finals last season but Spoelstra made it work despite the odds being stacked against him. He’s a two-time champion and a well-respected figure in the NBA.