A brief history of player-turned-coaches in the NBA

While Jason Kidd and Larry Bird are among the few exceptions to the rule, the most successful player-turned-coaches were typically role players in their playing careers. Case in point: Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, Steve Kerr and Tyronn Lue had more illustrious second careers than first while Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Kevin McHale and Elgin Baylor did the exact opposite and flopped as coaches. 

To that end, JJ Redick – a solid role player in his heyday – could have history on his side as he prepares to coach the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Of the last 10 players who made the switch without prior experience, only Kerr, Kidd and Doc Rivers are still coaching in the league. As such, Redick is working with a 30% success rate. 

Here, we look back on every player who made the transition without prior experience and their record with that specific team (playoffs included). 

• Steve Nash, Nets: 2020-23; 101-76
• Derek Fisher, Knicks:  2014-16; 40-96
• Steve Kerr, Warriors: 2014-24; 618-315
• Jason Kidd, Nets: 2013-14; 49-47
• Mark Jackson, Warriors: 2011-14; 130-119
• Vinny Del Negro, Bulls: 2008-10; 86-90
• Isiah Thomas, Pacers: 2000-03; 136-125
• Doc Rivers, Magic: 1999-04; 176-178
• Larry Bird, Pacers: 1997-00; 179-87
• M.L. Carr, Celtics: 1995-97; 48-116
• Quinn Buckner, Mavericks: 1993-94; 13-69
• Magic Johnson, Lakers: 1993-94; 5-11
• Dan Issel, Nuggets: 1992-95; 106-108
• Dick Van Arsdale, Suns: 1986-87; 14-12
• Paul Silas, Clippers: 1980-83; 78-168

Among those coaches, Rivers, Kidd, Thomas, Silas and Del Negro went on to coach other teams after their debut stints. Issel returned to coach the Nuggets in 1999.

Objectively speaking, only Kerr, Kidd, Rivers and Bird found sustained success. Bird stepped away from coaching after his Pacers lost to the Lakers in the 2000 NBA Finals.  

Note: The list only includes players who undertook head-coaching gigs without prior experience at any level. It does not include player-coaches such as Bill Russell, interim coaches such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or assistant coaches such as Tyronn Lue or Don Nelson who ascended to the head-coaching role.