Top 10 Best NBA Coaches In The World 2025

The coaching landscape in the National Basketball Association (NBA) is constantly shifting, with many new stars emerging and veteran minds continuing to innovate. There are a lot of brilliant basketball minds in the league in the year 2025, and each of them is leaving their mark on the game. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is in a state of constant flux, making it difficult to compile a definitive list. However, this article provides a comprehensive look at ten coaches who have distinguished themselves through their tactical brilliance, player development, and leadership.

List Of Top 10 Best NBA Coaches In The World 2025

1. Michael Malone

As the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, Michael Malone has solidified his place as one of the elite coaches in the NBA. His journey to the top has been a steady climb, beginning with assistant roles with teams like the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was part of a staff that led the Cavs to the 2007 NBA Finals. Malone’s tenure in Denver has been transformative. He guided the Nuggets back to the playoffs in 2019 for the first time in six seasons, and his ability to build a championship contender around superstar Nikola Jokić culminated in a historic NBA championship. Malone’s coaching style is characterized by his emphasis on team defense, his ability to adapt his offensive schemes to his roster’s strengths, and his strong player-coach relationships.

2. Taylor Jenkins

 

Taylor Jenkins has quickly risen through the coaching ranks to become one of the most respected young coaches in the league. As the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, he has been instrumental in the development of a young, exciting team. Before taking the top job in Memphis, Jenkins honed his skills as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks, where he helped the teams to deep playoff runs. Known for his modern, fast-paced offensive philosophy and his strong focus on player development, Jenkins has a proven ability to connect with his roster and empower them to play with confidence.

3. Mike Brown

Mike Brown is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year and a coaching veteran who has seen success at every level of his career. Having served as the head coach for multiple teams, including two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and a season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Brown’s experience is vast. He earned his first Coach of the Year award in 2009 with the Cavaliers and a second one in 2023 with the Sacramento Kings, where he masterminded a dramatic turnaround that saw the team break a long-standing playoff drought. Brown’s coaching philosophy is centered on building a strong defensive identity and fostering a culture of accountability and teamwork.

4. James Borrego

A product of the esteemed Gregg Popovich coaching tree, James Borrego has a reputation as a thoughtful and innovative coach. He served as an assistant under Popovich for two different stints, winning two NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs. Borrego also had a head coaching opportunity with the Charlotte Hornets, where he became the first Latino head coach in NBA history. He is known for his ability to develop young players and his commitment to an unselfish, high-paced offensive system. In 2025, he has returned to an associate head coach role, where his expertise continues to be highly valued.

5. Frank Vogel

Frank Vogel is a proven winner with an NBA championship to his name. He is widely respected for his defensive-minded approach and his ability to get the most out of his players. After successful stints as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic, he took over the Los Angeles Lakers and led them to the 2020 NBA championship. Vogel’s teams are consistently among the league’s best defensive units, and he is known for his detailed game-planning and calm demeanor under pressure.

6. Sam Cassell

7. Royal Ivey

Royal Ivey is another former NBA player who has found a new calling in coaching. As an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets, he has played a crucial role in the development of the team’s young talent. Ivey has a diverse background as a coach, having worked with the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets, and his experience is not limited to the NBA. He is also the head coach of the South Sudan national team, which he guided to its first-ever Olympic berth, showcasing his ability to lead and inspire on a global stage.

8. Micah Nori

Micah Nori has been an assistant coach in the NBA for a long time and is very well-liked. His reputation keeps getting better. He has worked for several teams, such as the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons. He is known for his offensive mind and his ability to help coaching staffs be successful. Nori hasn’t been a permanent head coach yet, but his tactical knowledge and ability to work with others make him a strong candidate for a top job in the future.

9. Chris Quinn

Chris Quinn is a key figure on the Miami Heat’s coaching staff, where he has been a long-time assistant to head coach Erik Spoelstra. Quinn’s experience in the Heat’s winning culture is invaluable. He has been a part of two NBA Finals runs with the team and has garnered a reputation as a potential future head coach. His ability to work within a highly successful system and his keen basketball intellect are widely recognized around the league.

10. Steve Nash

Steve Nash, a two-time MVP as a player, has brought his legendary basketball IQ to the coaching staff. He was the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets and led them to the second seed in the Eastern Conference in his first season. Nash’s time as a player development consultant for the Golden State Warriors, where he won two championships, made him even more qualified. People know him for how well he understands the game and how hard he works to build a powerful offense.