Like all major sports, NBA coaches are always under the microscope. Even when they rack up regular-season wins, it’s not enough unless they’re turning those successful seasons into conference titles and championships.
So, let’s take a look at the top five most successful coaches in NBA postseason history!
1. Phil Jackson – Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers (229 wins)
Phil Jackson, also known as “The Zen Master,” is in a league of his own when it comes to coaching success. After a 14-year playing career, he transitioned to coaching and racked up an incredible 11 NBA championships and one Coach of the Year award. His postseason winning percentage of 70.4% is elite.
Jackson’s coaching journey wasn’t overnight. He started as an assistant with the New Jersey Nets, spent time coaching in the CBA with Albany Patroons, and even had a stint in Puerto Rico’s National Superior Basketball league before finally getting his big break with the Bulls in 1987. He was promoted to head coach in 1989, and over the next nine years, he led Chicago to six championships, helping to cement both his and Michael Jordan’s legacies. After a brief break, Jackson returned to coaching in 1999 with the Lakers, where he won five more titles, capping off an unparalleled career.
2. Pat Riley – Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat (171 wins)
Pat Riley, or “The Godfather,” had an incredible coaching career, and if he hadn’t shifted to the front office, he might have given Jackson a run for the top spot. After 10 seasons as a player, Riley started coaching with the Lakers in 1979 as an assistant. Just two years later, he became head coach, leading the team to four titles in the 1980s.
After his time with the Lakers, Riley took on the challenge of coaching the New York Knicks for four seasons, but his Knicks teams always seemed to run into Jackson’s Bulls. In 1995, Riley moved to Miami, where he made his mark by leading the Heat to their first NBA championship in 2006. He stepped away from coaching in 2008 but still serves as the team’s president.
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3. Gregg Popovich – San Antonio Spurs (170 wins)
Gregg Popovich, or simply “Coach Pop,” didn’t have a quick rise to the top. He started his coaching career in 1973 at Air Force and didn’t make it to the NBA until 1988 as an assistant with the Spurs. After a brief stop with the Warriors, Popovich returned to San Antonio as the general manager in 1994. By 1996, he took over as head coach, and the rest is history.
Popovich led the Spurs to five championships, with the first coming just two years after becoming head coach. He’s known for his leadership, consistency, and creating a team culture that’s built on success and stability. The Spurs made the playoffs 22 straight times under his guidance, a testament to his greatness.
4. Doc Rivers – Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, LA Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers (113 wins)
Doc Rivers has enjoyed a storied career, both as a player and coach. He got his first head coaching gig with the Orlando Magic in 1999 and quickly made a name for himself, winning Coach of the Year in his first season. Although he found moderate success in Orlando, it was in Boston where Rivers truly made his mark, leading the Celtics to an NBA title in 2008.
After leaving Boston, Rivers spent seven seasons with the Clippers, making them a perennial playoff team. He later coached the 76ers and now leads the Milwaukee Bucks, continuing to add to his postseason wins.
5. Erik Spoelstra – Miami Heat (110 wins)
Erik Spoelstra might be the youngest coach on this list, but his journey to success is no less impressive. Starting as a video coordinator for the Miami Heat in 1995, Spoelstra worked his way up the ranks. Pat Riley was so impressed with his work ethic that he chose Spoelstra as his successor when he retired from coaching in 2008.
Spoelstra made an immediate impact, leading the Heat to the playoffs in his first season. But his biggest achievements came when LeBron James joined the team. Spoelstra led Miami to four straight Finals appearances between 2011-2014, winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. He’s still going strong, making Miami a consistent playoff contender year after year.
These coaches have not only won games, but they’ve also built legacies that will be remembered for generations. Each of them has made their mark on the NBA in their own unique way, and their playoff success is a big part of their lasting impact.
