NBA Coaching Carousel 2025: Analysis of New Hires

The cycle of NBA coaching changes for 2025 is now complete. A significant move saw the New York Knicks reportedly hiring two-time Coach of the Year Mike Brown, replacing Tom Thibodeau. Despite leading the Knicks to their most successful period since the 1990s, including three consecutive playoff series wins and a conference finals appearance, Thibodeau`s five-year tenure ended without a chance to break the team`s long Finals or championship droughts.

Brown, previously fired by the Sacramento Kings earlier in the season, steps into the Knicks coaching role facing considerable expectations. His hiring marks the final significant off-season coaching change in the league. Other notable moves included the Phoenix Suns dismissing Mike Budenholzer after only one season and hiring Jordan Ott, and the Denver Nuggets parting ways with Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth late in the regular season before promoting interim coach David Adelman permanently. The Memphis Grizzlies also fired long-time coach Taylor Jenkins less than two weeks before Denver`s decision, eventually making interim coach Tuomas Iisalo their permanent head coach.

This article provides an overview of the recent NBA coaching changes, examining the advantages and challenges of each position and what lies ahead for the newly appointed coaches.

Hired Jobs

New York Knicks

• 2024-25 record: 51-31
• New coach: Mike Brown
• Previous coach: Tom Thibodeau
• Lead executive: Leon Rose (since 2020)

Positives: Ready-to-win roster, financial flexibility

This position is highly desirable for coaches. The Knicks possess a talented roster featuring All-NBA level players Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, versatile wings like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, and solid bench contributors in Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride. The team`s location and competitive status can also attract veteran free agents seeking minimum deals to boost depth. However, the starting unit`s playoff performance raised concerns, and the team`s slow pace and low volume of three-point attempts represent areas a new coaching philosophy might address.

Negatives: High expectations, roster limitations

Given the decision to dismiss Thibodeau after a period of significant success, the pressure on the new coach is immense. The team`s stated goal is explicitly focused on winning a championship. Brown must develop a defensive strategy capable of supporting championship aspirations, particularly with both Brunson and Towns on the court, a challenge Thibodeau faced in the conference finals. Any early struggles next season will likely lead to immediate scrutiny regarding the coaching change.

Phoenix Suns

• 2024-25 record: 36-46 (11th in West)
• New coach: Jordan Ott (hired June 4)
• Previous coach: Mike Budenholzer
• Lead executive: James Jones (since 2018)

Positives: A franchise player, veteran depth

Although Kevin Durant was traded to Houston, the Suns still have Devin Booker as a cornerstone player and acquired young talent in Jalen Green through the trade. They also added centers Mark Williams and Khaman Maluach via the draft and trades. The roster includes experienced players like Bradley Beal, Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, Nick Richards, and Royce O’Neale, along with promising rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro who could form a rotation core.

Negatives: Instability, limited flexibility (roster, cap, draft)

Phoenix faces significant instability, with Jordan Ott being the fourth head coach in four seasons under owner Mat Ishbia. The team`s financial situation is precarious, operating well over the second salary cap apron, severely limiting options for roster improvement. Past trades have also depleted future draft capital. The return for Kevin Durant was modest compared to the initial cost, and the future role of Bradley Beal remains uncertain.

New Coach Analysis: Jordan Ott

After an extensive interview process, the Suns reportedly narrowed their search to two Cleveland Cavaliers assistants, Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott. Ott, an NBA assistant since 2012, is known for emphasizing offensive and defensive creativity, player development, and toughness. The hiring process, led by new GM Brian Gregory, involved over 15 initial candidates and five finalists who had in-person interviews before Ott was selected.

Denver Nuggets

• 2024-25 record: 50-32 (4th in West)
• New coach: David Adelman (interim tag removed May 22)
• Previous coach: Michael Malone (fired April 8; Adelman took over interim)
• Lead executive: None (GM Calvin Booth also let go)

Positives: Championship-level talent

Coaching opportunities involving a player like Nikola Jokic, widely considered the world`s best, are rare. The Nuggets core, including an elite pick-and-roll partner in Jamal Murray, a versatile defender in Aaron Gordon, and an improving Christian Braun, is built for contention. Despite challenges, the team was positioned as a strong playoff contender before the surprising dismissal of Michael Malone, who led the franchise to unprecedented success over 10 years.

Negatives: Limited financial and roster flexibility

Historically, Denver hasn`t been known for high spending on coaching or executive staff. More significantly, the team faces long-term financial constraints typical of contenders who trade future assets and commit to large contracts. While the core players are under contract for several years, flexibility to significantly alter or improve the roster is limited due to salary cap implications and traded draft picks.

New Coach Analysis: David Adelman

Following Michael Malone`s departure, David Adelman, the son of Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman and a Nuggets assistant for eight seasons, was promoted from interim to head coach. The 44-year-old led the team during the final stretch of the season and into the playoffs, guiding them to a Game 7 against the top seed. His promotion aligns with the ownership`s goal of maximizing the championship window during Nikola Jokic`s prime.

San Antonio Spurs

• 2024-25 record: 34-48 (13th in West)
• New coach: Mitch Johnson
• Previous coach: Gregg Popovich (transitioning to full-time President of Basketball Operations)
• Lead executive: RC Buford (promoted to CEO in 2019)

Positives: Thrilling young core, abundant assets

San Antonio is known for its organizational stability, strong ownership, and a history of success. The team boasts back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners in potential superstar Victor Wembanyama and guard Stephon Castle, plus two lottery picks (Dylan Harper, Carter Bryant) from the recent draft. The Spurs control all their future first and second-round picks and hold numerous additional picks and first-round swap rights from other teams over the coming years. They also acquired De`Aaron Fox, a point guard capable of being a franchise cornerstone who is eligible for a contract extension.

Negatives: Market size, ownership spending, succeeding a legend

San Antonio is a relatively small NBA market, which can impact player acquisition, though the organization`s positive reputation helps mitigate this. Ownership`s past reluctance to pay the luxury tax is a point to watch, especially with large contracts expected for Fox and Wembanyama. However, the team has gained new deep-pocketed partners recently. The most significant challenge might be stepping into the role previously held for 29 years by Gregg Popovich, a five-time champion and league icon.

New Coach Analysis: Mitch Johnson

Mitch Johnson, who served as acting head coach while Gregg Popovich recovered from a minor stroke, has been appointed to the permanent position. Popovich had been increasingly relying on Johnson for game preparation and in-game coaching over recent years. Johnson has also built a strong rapport with Victor Wembanyama. He led the team to a 31-45 record during Popovich`s absence.

Memphis Grizzlies

• 2024-25 record: 48-34 (8th in West)
• New coach: Tuomas Iisalo (hired May 2)
• Previous coach: Taylor Jenkins (fired March 28; Iisalo took over interim)
• Lead executive: Zach Kleiman (since 2019)

Positives: A promising young core

With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. entering their prime, the Grizzlies have the foundation for sustained contention throughout the decade. General Manager Zach Kleiman has a track record of finding valuable talent in the second round and among undrafted players, contributing to a deep and adaptable roster supporting the star duo. Some league executives see potential for a significant leap, similar to Cleveland`s improvement last season.

Negatives: Small market, recent instability

Memphis is not a major NBA market, and the team has experienced considerable internal friction and uncertainty over the past year. Last summer, the Grizzlies replaced nearly all of Taylor Jenkins` coaching staff, bringing in coaches like Tuomas Iisalo. The recent decision to fire Jenkins also saw the departure of other key player development staff. On the roster side, numerous injuries and Ja Morant`s past off-court issues have presented challenges, although the team previously managed absences effectively thanks to roster depth and Jenkins` coaching.

New Coach Analysis: Tuomas Iisalo

Following Taylor Jenkins` dismissal in late March, Tuomas Iisalo, who was brought to Memphis from Europe last off-season and joined Jenkins` staff, was considered a strong candidate. His performance during the final games of the season and the playoff run was reportedly impressive enough. Iisalo now becomes the first head coach in NBA history born in Finland.

Sacramento Kings

• 2024-25 record: 40-42 (9th in West)
• New coach: Doug Christie
• Previous coach: Mike Brown (fired December; assistant Doug Christie took over interim)
• Lead executive: GM Scott Perry (hired April 17 after Monte McNair departed)

Positives: Veteran, ready-to-win talent

While a championship might be a long shot, a coach inheriting a roster featuring Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk has the pieces to compete nightly. The presence of established talent makes this vacancy more appealing than typical open jobs. With these players under contract for at least a couple more seasons, there is a window for the core to play together.

Negatives: Small market, decades of instability

Sacramento`s history highlights the difficulty of the job: Since relocating in 1984, only two coaches (Rick Adelman for eight seasons and Mike Brown for two) have had a full season with a winning record. The team has reached the playoffs in just three other seasons during that entire span. The front office has also seen recent changes, with Scott Perry replacing Monte McNair as GM and other staff departures. Owner Vivek Ranadive`s past avoidance of paying the luxury tax is another potential limitation.

New Coach Analysis: Doug Christie

Doug Christie has deep ties to the Kings organization, having been a starter on the successful early 2000s teams coached by Rick Adelman. As interim coach this season, Christie led the team to a 27-24 record. During his interim tenure, the Kings` offensive efficiency ranked ninth, and they showed significant improvement in clutch-time situations (13-10 record) compared to their performance under Mike Brown (6-13).