10 Coaches With The Most NBA Championships

Red Auerbach & Bill Russell
Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the history of the NBA, certain coaches have distinguished themselves by leading their teams to multiple championship victories. Some of these coaches have not only achieved significant success with one team but have also excelled with multiple franchises, highlighting their exceptional strategic skills and leadership abilities.

Understanding the achievements of these coaches provides insight into what it takes to build a winning team in professional basketball. These coaches’ careers offer valuable lessons about perseverance, innovation, and the ability to adapt over time. The legacy they’ve created continues to inspire both current and future generations of basketball professionals and fans alike.

Tom Heinsohn: 2 Championships

Tom Heinsohn
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Tom Heinsohn was deeply connected to the Boston Celtics. He contributed significantly as both a player and a coach. His career spanned six decades, leaving an undeniable legacy within the NBA.

As a player, he joined the Celtics in 1956 and played until 1965. He was known for his hard-nosed style and excellent shooting touch. His efforts on the court helped the Celtics secure many victories.

Heinsohn’s success continued when he transitioned to coaching. He led the Celtics to two NBA Championships in 1974 and 1976. His coaching style was marked by determination and a deep understanding of the game.

In total, Heinsohn won eight championships as a player and two as a coach. This achievement places him among the top NBA coaches with the most championships. His impact on basketball and the Celtics remains storied and enduring.

KC Jones: 2 Championships

KC Jones
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KC Jones stands as one of the most accomplished coaches in NBA history. Born on May 25, 1932, in Taylor, Texas, Jones made his mark both as a player and a coach. He is best known for his time with the Boston Celtics.

As a player, Jones contributed to the Celtics’ dominance in the 1960s. He won eight NBA championships with the team. His contributions were not just limited to scoring but included defense and teamwork, which were vital to Boston’s success.

Jones transitioned to coaching after his playing years. He continued to collect titles, winning two more championships as the head coach of the Celtics in 1984 and 1986. His coaching style emphasized discipline and team play.

In addition to his coaching triumphs, Jones also earned respect and admiration within the basketball community. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989, recognizing his impact on the game both on and off the court.

Bill Russell: 2 Championships

Bill Russell
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Bill Russell is best known for his time as a player, where he won 11 championships with the Boston Celtics. His success carried over into coaching. In his career, he served as a player-coach, leading the Celtics to two more championships in 1968 and 1969.

Russell’s coaching style was influenced by his defensive prowess. He focused on teamwork and made sure his players were always ready to make the right play. His ability to inspire his team was a big part of his success.

Though he only coached for a few seasons, Bill Russell’s impact as a coach was significant. His leadership and strategic mindset helped solidify the Celtics’ dominance in the NBA during the late 60s.

Chuck Daly: 2 Championships

Chuck Daly
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Chuck Daly was a renowned NBA coach known for his success with the Detroit Pistons. He led the team to back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990, during their famous “Bad Boys” era.

Daly’s coaching career didn’t stop there. He also coached the 1992 United States men’s Olympic basketball team, famously known as “The Dream Team,” to a gold medal.

Chuck Daly’s achievements extended beyond just these championships. In 1994, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a coach. His ability to manage star players and build strong team dynamics was key to his success.

In 2021, the National Basketball Coaches Association honored him with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award. This award highlights his significant impact on the sport and his enduring legacy in basketball coaching.

Steve Kerr: 4 Championships

Steve Kerr
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Kerr is a celebrated figure in NBA history. As of 2024, he holds nine NBA championships in total. His championship tally includes five titles won as a player and four as a head coach.

Kerr played a significant role in the NBA as a top three-point shooter. He earned his five championships playing for the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs.

Transitioning to coaching, Kerr took charge of the Golden State Warriors in 2014. Under his leadership, the Warriors secured titles in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022.

His coaching record stands among the best. Only a few coaches, such as Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich, have more NBA titles. His strategic acumen and leadership skills have cemented his legacy in the sport.

Gregg Popovich: 5 Championships

Gregg Popovich
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Gregg Popovich is an American professional basketball coach and executive. He is the head coach and president for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA.

Popovich started his coaching career with the Spurs in 1996. Since then, he has become one of the most successful coaches in NBA history.

Popovich has led the Spurs to five NBA championships. The team won titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. His ability to develop players and build strong teams is widely respected.

He has also been named NBA Coach of the Year three times. His career win record is impressive, with more than 1,300 victories. Popovich is known for his defensive strategies and in-game adjustments.

Overall, Gregg Popovich’s contributions to the NBA and the Spurs are immense. He continues to be a significant figure in basketball.

5) John Kundla: 5 Championships

John Kundla
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

John Kundla was a monumental figure in the early years of the NBA. Born on July 3, 1916, he became the first head coach of the Minneapolis Lakers. His tenure with the Lakers lasted 12 seasons, from 1947 to 1959.

Kundla’s coaching career is marked by significant achievements. He led the Lakers to five NBA championships, making him one of the most successful coaches in league history.

The team thrived under his leadership, thanks in part to the talents of players like George Mikan. Kundla’s coaching style emphasized teamwork and defense, which were key factors in his team’s success.

John Kundla’s impact on basketball extends beyond his championship titles. He is remembered as a pioneer who helped shape the early NBA. His contributions left a lasting legacy in the sport.

Pat Riley: 5 Championships

Pat Riley
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Pat Riley is one of the most successful figures in NBA history. He has won NBA championships as a player, coach, and executive.

Riley first won an NBA championship as a player with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1972. He was part of a team that included legends like Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain.

As a coach, Riley’s impact was even more significant. He won five NBA titles with the Lakers during the 1980s. This era included stars like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

In his role as an executive with the Miami Heat, Riley continued to find success. He was instrumental in guiding the team to three NBA championships. This included building the “Big Three” of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.

Overall, Riley has a total of nine NBA championships. His achievements place him among the top NBA coaches.

Red Auerbach: 9 Championships

Red Auerbach
Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports

Red Auerbach, born Arnold Jacob Auerbach, is one of the most legendary figures in NBA history. He was the head coach of the Boston Celtics and led the team to nine NBA championships.

Auerbach’s coaching career began with the Washington Capitols and the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. He later joined the Celtics in 1950, establishing a dynasty.

Under his leadership, the Celtics became an unstoppable force in the 1950s and 1960s. Auerbach was known for his innovative strategies and strong team-building skills.

Besides being a successful coach, he also served as the Celtics’ general manager and team president. During his tenure, the Celtics won an additional seven championships.

Auerbach’s career is marked by a total of 938 coaching wins and numerous awards, including being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969.

He played a significant role in breaking racial barriers in the NBA, helping to integrate the league by drafting the first African-American player and hiring the first African-American head coach.

Red Auerbach’s contributions to the game of basketball have left a lasting impact on the NBA and its history. His legacy continues to influence the sport and its evolution.

Phil Jackson: 11 Championships

Phil Jackson
RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Jackson is widely known as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. He led his teams to an unparalleled eleven NBA championships as a head coach.

Jackson’s career began as a player for the New York Knicks. He was part of the Knicks’ championship teams in 1970 and 1973.

His true legacy, though, comes from his coaching. He took the Chicago Bulls to six championships in the 1990s. With Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and a strong supporting cast, Jackson’s Bulls dominated the decade.

Jackson then transferred his coaching expertise to the Los Angeles Lakers. Between 2000 and 2010, he guided the Lakers to five NBA championships. Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal were key figures during this time.

Jackson was known for using the “triangle offense,” a strategy that became synonymous with his success. This approach emphasized spacing and ball movement.

His calm demeanor and ability to manage star players set Jackson apart. He was skilled at maintaining team harmony and discipline.

Phil Jackson’s contributions to basketball are significant. From his tactical approaches to his leadership qualities, he left a lasting mark on the NBA. His achievements as a coach are unparalleled.

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