As the 2025–26 NBA season unfolds, the spotlight doesn’t only shine on the players — it also falls on the masterminds behind the sidelines.
Coaches are the architects of success, shaping strategies, motivating stars, and creating championship cultures.
Winning the NBA Coach of the Year award is not just about having a talented roster — it’s about getting the best out of every player, adapting to challenges, and exceeding expectations, here’s a look at the Top 10 Coaches Most Likely to Win NBA Coach of the Year for the 2025–26 season.
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Top 10 Coaches Most Likely to Win NBA Coach of the Year 2025-26
1. Mark Daigneault – Oklahoma City Thunder
After leading the Thunder to one of the league’s best turnarounds, Mark Daigneault has proven to be a coaching genius. His ability to develop young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren while keeping OKC among the Western elite puts him as the clear favorite for this season’s award.
2. Joe Mazzulla – Boston Celtics
With a roster full of stars, Joe Mazzulla has managed to keep egos in check and turn Boston into a defensive powerhouse. His adjustments in crunch time and strong locker-room leadership make him a perennial Coach of the Year candidate.
3. Jamahl Mosley – Orlando Magic
Mosley’s development system is turning Orlando into one of the most exciting young teams in the East. If the Magic make a top-5 playoff push, Mosley could easily earn this recognition for transforming a rebuilding franchise into a contender.
4. Chris Finch – Minnesota Timberwolves
Finch has built an elite defensive identity around Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards. If Minnesota continues to climb the standings in the West, his name will be firmly in the mix for Coach of the Year honors.
5. Will Hardy – Utah Jazz
One of the brightest young minds in coaching, Hardy’s player development and offensive creativity have kept Utah competitive even without superstars. A surprise playoff run could make him a dark horse for the award.
6. Jason Kidd – Dallas Mavericks
With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving at his disposal, Kidd’s challenge is to maximize chemistry and maintain consistency. If Dallas secures a top-three seed, Kidd will be a strong contender thanks to improved balance and team defense.
7. Adrian Griffin – Milwaukee Bucks
After adjusting to a high-expectation environment, Griffin has found the right formula for managing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard’s partnership. A dominant regular season could push him into Coach of the Year contention.
8. Erik Spoelstra – Miami Heat
One of the league’s most respected tacticians, Spoelstra continues to get the most out of his players regardless of injuries or roster changes. If the Heat surprise with another top finish in the East, Spoelstra could finally add another coaching accolade.
9. Ime Udoka – Houston Rockets
Udoka has completely changed Houston’s culture — from a rebuilding project to a tough, defense-first squad. If the Rockets make the playoffs, his impact will be impossible to ignore.
10. Steve Kerr – Golden State Warriors
Though the Warriors are aging, Kerr’s tactical brilliance and ability to reinvent his system keep Golden State competitive. A deep playoff run or another top Western finish could earn him one more nod for Coach of the Year.
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Coaches on the Watchlist
Darvin Ham (Los Angeles Lakers)
Tyronn Lue (Los Angeles Clippers)
Nick Nurse (Philadelphia 76ers)
Monty Williams (Detroit Pistons)
The race for NBA Coach of the Year 2025–26 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. From seasoned tacticians like Erik Spoelstra and Steve Kerr to rising minds like Mark Daigneault and Jamahl Mosley, this season will celebrate innovation, leadership, and adaptability.
At the end of the day, the Coach of the Year is not just the one who wins — it’s the one who inspires, evolves, and brings out greatness in his team.
