It is not easy to become a head coach in the . It takes an in-depth understanding of the game, which usually takes decades of experience to build. For those who weren't players in the association at some point, securing a head coaching position in the NBA is impossible without an extensive coaching background.
A small group has made the jump to becoming a head coach without coaching experience in the past, but they all have one thing in common. The shared fact is that they were all previous NBA players. Former NBA player turned sports media personality, , is the of an NBA team without any prior professional coaching experience.
A select club of individuals has made the jump to the NBA coaching ranks without building a portfolio. Although, many weren't able to succeed. However, there are a handful of coaches in the history of the league that are proof that it's possible to thrive without prior experience.
remains the biggest success story of a coach who was thrown into a head coach position and immediately thrived, despite not possessing the prior coaching experience that is usually required of an NBA coach. Kerr replaced Mark Jackson with the , making his coaching debut in the 2014-15 season. Coincidentally, Kerr was an NBA analyst with TNT, similar to Redick's role with ESPN, before receiving the coaching position with the Warriors.
However, his success with Golden State has been well-documented, as one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. Steve Kerr Head Coach Accompli.
