10 Greatest Rookie Head Coaches In NBA History

Regular Season Record: 57-25

Playoffs Record: 16-5

Achievements: NBA Champions, Complete 3-1 Finals Comeback

Tyronn Lue took over the Cleveland Cavaliers midway through the 2015-16 season after the team fired David Blatt, who had led the team to a 30-11 start. Due to some differences between Blatt and the stars on the team, a change was made regardless of Cleveland’s strong start.

Under Lue's guidance, the Cavaliers finished the regular season with a 27-14 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Lue's calm demeanor and ability to manage the team's high-profile personalities, particularly LeBron James, were instrumental in the Cavaliers' success.

In the playoffs, Lue led the Cavaliers to an impressive 16-5 record, culminating in the franchise's first-ever NBA Championship. The Cavaliers made history by overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, a feat never before accomplished in NBA Finals history.

Lue's strategic adjustments, such as moving LeBron James to the point forward position and inserting Richard Jefferson into the starting lineup, played crucial roles in the Cavaliers' remarkable comeback. Lue also became one of the five rookie coaches to ever win an NBA championship since the 1976 NBA-ABA merger.

2. Steve Kerr - 2014-15 Golden State Warriors

Regular Season Record: 67-15

Playoffs Record: 16-5

Achievements: NBA Champions, Changing The NBA With “Death Lineup”

Steve Kerr's first season as head coach of the Golden State Warriors was nothing short of extraordinary. He led the team to a 67-15 regular-season record, which was the best in the NBA that year and the most wins in a season in franchise history.

Kerr implemented a fast-paced, three-point-heavy offense that revolutionized the game and took full advantage of the unique talents of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, also known as the Splash Brothers.

Kerr also utilized a small-ball “Death” lineup featuring Draymond Green as center and inserted versatile forward Andre Iguodala (who ended up winning Finals MVP by averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game) into the lineup.

In the playoffs, the Warriors continued their dominance with a 16-5 record, ultimately capturing the NBA Championship by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games. Kerr's rookie season set the foundation for what would become a modern NBA dynasty, as the Warriors have gone on to win three more championships.

3. Pat Riley - 1981-82 Los Angeles Lakers

Regular Season Record: 57-25

Playoffs Record: 12-2

Achievements: NBA Champions, Kickstarting“Showtime”

Pat Riley's first season as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers set the stage for one of the most successful coaching careers in NBA history. In the prior two years, Riley was an assistant coach but was given his chance to prove himself during a promotion during the 1982 season after Paul Westhead was fired after 11 games.

Taking over a team with established stars like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Riley led the Lakers to a 57-25 regular-season record, the best in the Western Conference. His coaching style emphasized a strong defense and a fast-breaking offense, earning the Lakers the nickname “Showtime”.

In the playoffs, Riley's Lakers were dominant, posting a 12-2 record on their way to winning the NBA championship. They defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in six games in the Finals, as Magic Johnson earned Finals MVP honors averaging 16.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game.

Riley's rookie season was the beginning of a dynasty, as he would go on to win three more championships with the Lakers during the 1980s as the head coach. His success in his inaugural season established him as a coaching legend and set a high standard for future rookie head coaches.

4. Nick Nurse - 2018-19 Toronto Raptors

Regular Season Record: 58-24

Playoffs Record: 16-8

Achievements: NBA Champions For First Time In Franchise History, End Golden State Warriors Dynasty

Nick Nurse's debut season as head coach of the Toronto Raptors was historic, as he led the team to its first NBA Championship. The Raptors finished the regular season with a 58-24 record, the second-best in the Eastern Conference.

Nurse's innovative coaching style, which included a variety of defensive schemes and a willingness to make bold adjustments, played a significant role in the team's success. His ability to integrate new star Kawhi Leonard into the lineup seamlessly was crucial.

In the playoffs, Nurse guided the Raptors to a 16-8 record, culminating in a six-game victory over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. This championship run included memorable moments such as the Raptors defeating Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round and Leonard's buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

5. Paul Westhead - 1979-80 Los Angeles Lakers

Regular Season Record: 60-22

Playoffs Record: 12-4

Achievements: NBA Champions

Paul Westhead took over as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers early in the 1979-80 season after Jack McKinney suffered a serious bicycle accident. Westhead seamlessly transitioned into the role, leading the Lakers to a 60-22 regular-season record, the best in the Western Conference.

His coaching style emphasized an up-tempo offense, capitalizing on the skills of Magic Johnson, who was in his rookie season, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had an MVP-caliber year (24.8 points and 10.0 rebounds per game). Westhead’s ability to maintain the team’s momentum and integrate his strategies quickly demonstrated his adaptability and basketball acumen.

In the playoffs, Westhead guided the Lakers to a dominant 12-4 record, culminating in an NBA championship. The Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in six games in the Finals, highlighted by Magic Johnson's legendary performance in Game 6, where he played center for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and scored 42 points.

Westhead's strategic decisions and ability to manage a roster filled with talent and egos were crucial to the team's success. His remarkable achievement of winning an NBA championship in his rookie coaching season solidified his place in NBA history and set a high standard for future first-year head coaches.

6. Paul Westphal - 1992-93 Phoenix Suns

Regular Season Record: 62-20

Playoffs Record: 13-11

Achievements: Make The NBA Finals, Help Charles Barkley Win Regular-Season MVP

Paul Westphal's rookie season as head coach of the Phoenix Suns was marked by immediate success. He led the Suns to a 62-20 regular-season record, the best in the NBA and a franchise record for wins. Westphal's coaching style, which emphasized a high-octane offense, perfectly suited the talents of MVP Charles Barkley (25.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game), who had been acquired in a trade the previous offseason.

The Suns led the league in scoring (113.4 PPG) and were known for their fast-paced, entertaining brand of basketball. Along with Barkley, Westphal’s team had star talents such as Kevin Johnson and Dan Majerle and the coach clicked it all into gear.

In the playoffs, Westphal guided the Suns to the NBA Finals, marking the franchise's second appearance in its history. Despite ultimately losing to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in six games, the Suns' playoff run was memorable, including a dramatic seven-game series win against the Seattle SuperSonics in the Western Conference Finals.

7. Larry Bird - 1997-98 Indiana Pacers

Regular Season Record: 58-24

Playoffs Record: 10-6

Achievements: Eastern Conference Finals Appearance, Coach of the Year

Larry Bird transitioned seamlessly from an illustrious playing career to coaching, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 58-24 regular-season record in his rookie season. The Pacers' success was largely attributed to Bird's basketball IQ and his ability to inspire and manage a talented roster that included Reggie Miller and Rik Smits. Bird's coaching emphasized tough defense and efficient offense, mirroring the traits that made him a Hall of Fame player.

In the playoffs, Bird's Pacers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, pushing the Chicago Bulls to a hard-fought seven-game series. Despite falling short, Bird's coaching prowess was evident as he nearly dethroned the reigning champions. His ability to make the transition from player to coach so successfully, along with leading the Pacers deep into the playoffs, solidified his reputation as one of the game's great minds.

8. Rudy Tomjanovich - 1992-93 Houston Rockets

Regular Season Record: 55-27

Playoffs Record: 6-6

Achievements: Reached Western Conference Semifinals, Start Building A Future Championship Team

Rudy Tomjanovich's first season as head coach of the Houston Rockets saw the team post a 55-27 record, showcasing his ability to maximize the talents of his star player, Hakeem Olajuwon. Tomjanovich implemented a defensive-minded approach that played to Olajuwon's strengths, resulting in the Rockets becoming one of the toughest teams to score against.

In the playoffs, the Rockets advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals, where they were narrowly defeated by the Seattle SuperSonics in a seven-game series. Tomjanovich's rookie season laid the foundation for future success, as he would lead the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in the following two seasons.

His first year was a clear indication of his coaching capabilities and his ability to build a championship-caliber team. The Rockets also won 13 more games the prior season due to Rudy T’s principles which included playing through the post.

9. Butch Van Breda Kolff - 1967-68 Los Angeles Lakers

Regular Season Record: 52-30

Playoffs Record: 10-5

Achievements: NBA Finals Appearance, +16 Games Won From Prior Season

Butch Van Breda Kolff's first season as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers saw the team achieve a 52-30 regular-season record, marking a significant improvement from their previous season (+16 wins). His coaching style emphasized a disciplined approach and strong defensive play, which helped the Lakers maximize the talents of stars like Jerry West and Elgin Baylor.

In the playoffs, Van Breda Kolff led the Lakers to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Boston Celtics. Although they ultimately lost in six games, the Lakers' playoff run was impressive, highlighted by their resilience and tactical adjustments. Van Breda Kolff's ability to guide the team to the Finals in his first season showcased his coaching prowess and set the stage for future success.

10. Harry Gallatin - 1962-63 St. Louis Hawks

Regular Season Record: 48-32

Playoffs Record: 6-5

Achievements: Reached Game 7 of Western Division Finals, Coach of the Year

Harry Gallatin's rookie coaching season with the St. Louis Hawks was marked by a 48-32 regular-season record and a Coach of the Year award. Gallatin, a former NBA player, brought a player's perspective to coaching, emphasizing fundamentals and teamwork. His approach resonated with the Hawks, who improved significantly under his guidance.

In the playoffs, Gallatin led the Hawks to the Western Division Finals, where they pushed the Los Angeles Lakers to a decisive Game 7 before ultimately falling short. Gallatin's ability to take the team deep into the playoffs in his first season was a testament to his coaching skill and leadership. His success in his rookie year set a high standard for future coaches and solidified his legacy in NBA history.