With star players in control and fans eager to see their teams make the playoffs, owners often pin the blame on the head coach for a disappointing season in the NBA.
Quin Snyder | Atlanta Hawks:
Snyder built a solid reputation by consistently leading the Utah Jazz to the playoffs. After leaving Utah during their rebuild in 2022, he took over Atlanta mid-season, replacing Nate McMillan. However, his record with Atlanta hasn’t been great at 46-57.
The Hawks’ chaotic culture and uncertain roster put Snyder on thin ice if Trey Young and the team start poorly. The addition of first overall draft pick Zaccharie Risacher might help Snyder who loves developing young talent like Donovan Mitchell back in Salt Lake City. But a slow start could mean his time is up.
Billy Donovan | Chicago Bulls:
The Bulls are stuck in NBA limboโnever good enough to contend but not bad enough for high draft picks (39-43 and 40-42 over past two seasons). Donovan’s record with them is 156-162, and if they stumble this season, he might be out as ownership looks for change. His NBA coaching career has been mediocre compared to his college success with two national championships at Florida. He even backed out of an NBA job with Orlando Magic before it started.
It seems Donovan is afraid of change, and so are the Bulls. This is a parting that would benefit both parties.
Willie Green | New Orleans Pelicans:
Every season feels like a “what-if” story for the Pelicans despite having stars like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Quick playoff exits have marked Green’s tenure (127-119 record), making him vulnerable unless New Orleans performs exceptionally well this season.
Fans think it’s frustrating how much potential goes unrealized each year.
Chauncey Billups | Portland Trail Blazers:
Billups seemed destined to be a great head coach given his leadership skills as an NBA player and assistant coach. Yet, he’s struggled with Portland (81-165 record) after Damian Lillard’s departure left them in tank mode last season (21-61). If expectations rise this year, Billups could be fired quickly if results don’t improve.
Sometimes it feels like being set up for failure when expectations shift suddenly
Will Hardy | Utah Jazz:
The Jazz have a storied history under coaches Jerry Sloan and Quin Snyder with numerous playoff appearances from 1989-2022. GM Danny Ainge is rebuilding slowly, giving Hardy some leeway entering his third season (37-45 and 31-51 records).
Even highly regarded coaches aren’t safeโjust ask George Karl or Dwane Casey who were fired despite winning Coach of the Year awards! Hardy must stay cautious as things can change fast in this league.
