NBA Coaching Changes 2025: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

By Edcel Panganiban June 26, 2025 09:23

The 2025 NBA offseason has been marked by significant coaching turnover, signaling a new era for several franchises eager to reshape their identities and return to contention. With six teams already announcing changes, the coaching carousel is spinning faster than ever, bringing fresh faces and new philosophies to the league’s sidelines.

Coaches Out: End of Eras and Tough Decisions

The New York Knicks made headlines on June 3, 2025, when they relieved Tom Thibodeau of his duties after five seasons. Despite Thibodeau’s reputation as a defensive mastermind and his ability to develop young talent, the Knicks struggled to make a deep playoff impact, prompting management to seek a new direction. Team president Leon Rose stated, “We appreciate Coach Thibodeau’s contributions, but it’s time for a fresh voice to lead us forward.”

Similarly, the Phoenix Suns parted ways with Mike Budenholzer on April 14, 2025, after just one season. Budenholzer’s tenure was marked by inconsistency and unmet expectations, leading to the franchise’s decision to pursue a coach better suited to their evolving roster. Suns GM Brian Gregory commented, “We need a leader who can instill a winning culture and maximize our team’s potential.”

The Sacramento Kings, after dismissing Mike Brown midseason in December 2024, officially named Doug Christie as their full-time head coach in May. Christie, a former NBA player and assistant coach, inherits a team hungry for playoff success but still searching for stability.

Another monumental change came in San Antonio, where legendary coach Gregg Popovich stepped down after 29 seasons. Popovich’s departure marks the end of an era for the Spurs, who named assistant Mitch Johnson as his successor. Johnson faces the challenge of maintaining the Spurs’ proud tradition while adapting to the modern NBA landscape.

Coaches In: Fresh Faces and New Opportunities

Among the most talked-about hires is Jordan Ott, who was officially named head coach of the Phoenix Suns on June 7, 2025. At 40 years old, Ott brings a blend of youthful energy and tactical acumen, having served as lead assistant to NBA Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ott expressed enthusiasm about his new role: “This is a dream come true. My goal is to build a culture that works hard every day and makes our fans proud.”

The Memphis Grizzlies promoted Tuomas Iisalo from interim to full-time head coach in May, rewarding his impressive work stabilizing the team during a turbulent stretch. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets hired David Adelman as their full-time coach after a successful interim stint, aiming to build on their recent championship pedigree.

What These Changes Mean for the League

The coaching changes reflect a league-wide trend toward embracing younger, innovative coaches who can connect with modern players and implement versatile systems. Teams like the Suns and Grizzlies are betting on fresh perspectives to revitalize their rosters, while franchises like the Spurs face the delicate task of honoring legacy while evolving.

Basketball analyst Mike Schmitz noted, “This offseason’s coaching moves show that NBA teams are looking for adaptability and culture-building more than ever. The right coach can be the difference between a playoff team and a championship contender.”

Looking Ahead

With the 2025 NBA Draft completed and free agency set to begin on June 30, these coaching changes set the stage for a dynamic offseason. New coaches will have their first opportunities to shape rosters and install systems, while players adjust to fresh leadership.

As the league moves toward the 2025-26 season, all eyes will be on these new coaches to see if they can translate their vision into wins. The stakes are high, but so are the hopes for franchises eager to climb the standings and make a mark in the ever-competitive NBA landscape.