NBA Coaches With the Most Wins Ever: ‘Pop’ is Tops

The world of professional basketball has seen a multitude of legendary figures, with coaches playing pivotal roles in shaping the success of their teams. This article delves into the careers of the top 10 winningest coaches in NBA history, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the sport. From groundbreaking strategies to unyielding leadership, these coaches have left indelible marks on the NBA’s rich tapestry, most notably Spurs icon Gregg Popovich, who has the most regular-season games coached (2,291) with one team, during his 29-year career, which he ended on Friday, May 2, 2025, with the San Antonio Spurs. He also has the record of most game wins when combining regular season games and postseason games with 1,592 wins. He’s stepping away from coaching to become San Antonio’s team president. Here are the coaches with the most victories ever.

Rick Adelman (1,121 NBA victories)

A Hall of Famer (2021 inductee), Adelman coached five teams over 23 seasons, reaching the NBA Finals twice with the Trail Blazers (1990, 1992). He guided the Rockets to a historic 22-game winning streak in 2008 and retired in 2014 ranked 10th in wins, now holding ninth place.

Larry Brown (1,198 NBA victories)

Larry Brown ranks eighth in NBA coaching victories, with a career spanning 10 NBA/ABA teams. He’s the only coach to win both an NCAA (Kansas, 1988) and NBA title (Detroit, 2004). Brown claimed three ABA Coach of the Year awards and earned a Hall of Fame induction in 2002.

George Karl (1,255 NBA victories)

George Karl stands as one of the most successful NBA coaches with 1,175 wins, a career marked by six seasons with over 50 victories in Seattle and the 2013 NBA Coach of the Year award. He led five teams to the playoffs 22 times.

Glenn “Doc” Rivers (1,277 NBA victories)

Glenn Anton “Doc” Rivers is now the Bucks’ head coach. An NBA player for 14 seasons, he was an NBA All-Star and was named one of the 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA History. He guided the Boston Celtics to their 2008 NBA championship title.

Jerry Sloan (1,319 NBA victories)

Jerry Sloan, renowned for his tenure with the Utah Jazz, amassed 1,319 wins, securing a place as the fourth most successful coach in NBA history. His impressive record includes leading the Jazz to two NBA Finals appearances and a remarkable 15 consecutive playoff appearances.

Pat Riley (1,381 NBA victories)

Pat Riley, known for his success with the Los Angeles Lakers during the “Showtime” era, holds a remarkable NBA coaching record. His career includes five championships as a head coach, including four with the Lakers and one with the Miami Heat.

Phil Jackson (1,384 NBA victories)

Phil Jackson, the fastest coach to reach 900 wins, led the Bulls to six titles and the Lakers to five, utilizing his triangle offense. Known for integrating Eastern philosophy, he retired in 2011 with 11 championships, the most by any coach, cementing his legacy as a transformative NBA figure.

Don Nelson (1,410 NBA victories)

Don Nelson, nicknamed “Nellie,” innovated “small ball” and was named Coach of the Year three times. Nelson coached the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks, earning a Basketball Hall of Fame induction in 2012.

Lenny Wilkens (1,412 NBA victories)

Lenny Wilkens became the first NBA coach to reach 1,000 wins (1996) and retired with the second-most wins all time, counting playoffs, trailing only Don Nelson and Gregg Popovich. A Hall of Famer as both player and coach, he won the 1979 title with Seattle and coached Olympic gold medal teams in 1992 (assistant) and 1996.

Gregg Popovich (1,582 NBA victories)

Gregg Popovich is the NBA’s all-time winningest coach with 1,582 total wins. After a 29-year tenure as the San Antonio Spurs’ head coach, he transitioned to president of basketball operations in 2025, having led the team to five NBA championships.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the careers of these exceptional NBA coaches, it’s clear that their legacies extend far beyond mere statistics. Each brought a unique approach to the game, influencing their players and the league at large. Their enduring impact serves as a testament to the power of innovation, dedication, and visionary leadership in the world of basketball. These coaching legends have not only amassed an impressive number of wins but also inspired generations of players and fans, cementing their places in the annals of basketball history.