In sports history, several legendary players have come back to coach the teams they once played for. These athletes bring valuable insights from their playing careers, making their transitions into coaching intriguing. Some of these coaching journeys have been filled with triumph, while others have faced challenges. Let’s take a look at the best NBA coaches who made their return after an illustrious playing career.
List of Best NBA Coaches of All Time
10. Bill Cowher
Bill Cowher is one of the most successful NFL coaches, spending years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his tenure, Cowher led the Steelers to two Super Bowl appearances and won one. His leadership and strategy are often compared to the best NBA coaches, demonstrating how former players transition into great coaching roles.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Super Bowl Wins | 1 |
| Playoff Appearances | 10 |
| Coaching Record | 149-90 |
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9. Penny Hardaway
Penny Hardaway, known for his NBA career, returned to Memphis as coach. Despite some challenges, Hardaway has guided the team to a couple of NCAA tournament appearances. His journey as a coach further establishes him as one of the best NBA coaches in collegiate basketball.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 2 |
| Coaching Record | 20-30 |
8. Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh’s return to Michigan as head coach was a turning point for the program. He led the team to several Big Ten championships and a national title in 2024, showcasing his ability to inspire and lead — a trait shared by the best NBA coaches in the game.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Big Ten Championships | 3 |
| National Championships | 1 |
| Coaching Record | 144-42 |
7. Tony Gwynn
Tony Gwynn, though known for baseball, embodies the mindset of the best NBA coaches with his approach to leadership. He coached San Diego State to three NCAA regional berths and three Mountain West Conference titles.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| NCAA Regional Berths | 3 |
| Coaching Record | 321-342 |
6. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing returned to Georgetown, where he had once been a star. His coaching career had mixed results, with some NCAA tournament appearances. Like the best NBA coaches, his journey highlights the challenge of stepping into a coaching role after a legendary playing career.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| NCAA Championships | 1 |
| Coaching Record (2018-19) | 19-14 |
5. Clyde Drexler
Clyde Drexler returned to coach the Houston Cougars after a stellar playing career. Although his coaching tenure was less successful, his effort to transition into the role of coach highlights how even the best NBA coaches can face challenges in this new position.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 2 |
| Coaching Record | 19-39 |
4. Juwan Howard
Juwan Howard, a key player for Michigan’s “Fab Five,” returned to coach the Wolverines. Despite challenges in 2024, his NBA experience helped him adapt to the coaching world, bringing the mindset of the best NBA coaches into his new role.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 2 |
| Coaching Record | 87-72 |
3. Art Shell
Art Shell is considered one of the best NBA coaches of all time, known for his leadership of the Raiders. He led the team to a playoff appearance in 1989, but his second stint as a coach ended with a losing record, showing that even the best NBA coaches can have mixed results.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Super Bowl Wins | 2 |
| Playoff Appearances | 3 |
| Coaching Record | 54-38 |
2. Forrest Gregg
Forrest Gregg was an iconic player before transitioning into coaching. Although his coaching career had mixed results, he remains a figure who compares to the best NBA coaches due to his championship pedigree as a player and his determination to lead as a coach.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| NFL Championships | 5 |
| Super Bowl Appearances | 2 |
| Coaching Record | 25-37-1 |
1. Mike Ditka
Mike Ditka, one of the most iconic figures in NFL history, made a successful return to the Chicago Bears as head coach. He led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 1985, solidifying his place as one of the best NBA coaches in sports history. His leadership and strategic acumen make him a legend in the coaching world.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Super Bowl Wins | 1 |
| NFL Coach of the Year | 2 |
| Playoff Appearances | 7 |
| Regular Season Record | 106-62 |
These legendary players returned to their former teams, leaving their marks as both players and coaches. Their coaching careers have been varied, but their legacies as athletes remain unforgettable. If you’re exploring the best NBA coaches, these figures exemplify how former stars transition into leadership roles and impact their teams.
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