Four NBA coaches with their jobs on the line in the playoffs

Twenty teams survived the NBA regular season to reach the playoffs or play-in tournaments. That doesn't mean their coaches have job security.

Making the playoffs is an accomplishment, but for many teams, the results of the playoffs determine how successful they'll see the season. That's why four coaches still working this week need to do well to ensure they'll still be working come fall.

Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic (8th place)

Mosley helped turn around the franchise after the Magic hired him in 2021, going from 22 to 34 to 47 wins in his first three seasons. Last year, thanks to multiple serious injuries to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, the Magic dropped to 41-41, seventh place and a first-round loss. This season, they're back in the play-in.

The Magic's excellent defense under Mosley has slipped this season to 11th, while the offense still struggles. With the team getting more expensive thanks to Paolo Banchero's upcoming $26M raise, the Magic need a good playoff result to justify having four players making more than $32M — and to justify keeping Mosley on board.

Tiago Splitter, Portland Trail Blazers (8th place)

After Splitter took over for suspended coach Chauncey Billups just before the season, he led the team to their first winning record (42-40) in five seasons and the eight seed in the Western Conference. Splitter won a league title and the French Cup with Paris last season, so he has a strong pedigree, as well as experience playing under the NBA's winningest coach, Gregg Popovich.

However, the Blazers have a new owner who didn't hire Splitter. The 41-year-old freshman coach may need to win the play-in and look respectable in round one to convince his new boss to keep him.

Nick Nurse, Philadelphia 76ers (7th place)

Nick Nurse hasn't had an easy time in his three years on the Sixers sidelines. His tenure started with James Harden's clash with the team front office and his subsequent trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. Then Joel Embiid hurt his knee in Jan. 2024, then re-injured himself during a first-round loss in which he also battled Bell's palsy. Last season, Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and prized signing Paul George all missed considerable time.

While injuries explain the disappointing results, falling short this April would make three years of expensive disappointment. With the Sixers star trio all signed to big long-term deals — they'll make over $153M combined next season — it may be easier for Philly to change the coach than overhaul the roster.

Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets (5th place)

In Udoka's third season at the helm of the Rockets, the team won 52 games for the second straight season, though they dropped from second to fifth in the final standings. Trading Kevin Durant was a gamble that improved Houston's offense while leaving their defense and team chemistry a bit weaker.

Last season, the Golden State Warriors upset the Rockets in the first round despite an injury to Jimmy Butler. Houston's offense couldn't crack 100 points in three of its losses against a patchwork Warriors defense. Perhaps Durant's presence will solve those issues. But if the Rockets can't get past a Los Angeles Lakers team missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, Udoka will undoubtedly be on the hot seat.