Fans and media often overlook and underappreciate coaching in today’s NBA.
Coaches build systems, manage star talent, and make critical in-game decisions, yet they are often blamed when things go wrong.
Last season, Tom Thibodeau and Mike Malone led their teams to 50-win seasons but still faced pressure and backlash. Taylor Jenkins dealt with constant injuries, yet his leadership and game plan were still questioned. No coaching job stays safe for long, and winning does not guarantee job security. Teams constantly search for a fresh voice, new systems, and better ways to break through and win a championship.
Next season, another wave of coaches will face questions, and more firings will follow as front offices try to find the right fit for their squads. Here are some coaches on the hot seat going into the 2025-26 season.
Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are in a weird situation with Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future.
Right now, Milwaukee does not have another true star alongside Giannis, and the team expects Doc Rivers to lead them into title contention. Although many have criticized Rivers over the years, teams continue to hire him, and both Giannis and other players around the league continue to show him respect.
Milwaukee waived and stretched Damian Lillard to clear cap space and sign Myles Turner. Cutting a future Hall of Famer was a massive gamble. If Doc Rivers does not lead the Bucks to a top-six seed next season, the front office may fire him.
Pressure is mounting to win now with Giannis, as many have started to question his long-term commitment to the team.
Willie Green, New Orleans Pelicans
The injury bug in New Orleans prevents the Pelicans from making any noise in the Western Conference.
The Pelicans have good young talent on their roster, but their luck is one of the worst in the league. When the Pelicans hired Willie Green in 2021, many expected the team to grow into a contender.
Zion Williamson is the “make or break” player for New Orleans, and so far, he is failing; it reflects badly on him and Green. Even if the injuries and constant saga around Williamson’s weight still appear, Green is under a microscope right now to deliver another playoff appearance.
Green has led the Pelicans to two playoff appearances, but both instances were uncompetitive. The Pelicans traded their 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks to draft Derik Queen this offseason, a risky move for a team battling inconsistency, injuries, and bad luck.
Willie Green now faces serious pressure to turn this roster into a winner, or that 2026 pick could come back to haunt them if it lands in the lottery.
Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic
Willie Green and Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley have many similarities. Hired in 2021, they have made two playoff appearances but only reached the first round, and now they are under heavy expectations this season.
After trading four first-round picks for Desmond Bane, the Magic expect Jamahl Mosley to turn this team into a contender. Mosley should find a way to improve this offense now that the front office has provided him with better shot-makers. He also revamped his coaching staff, adding names like Joe Prunty and God Shammgod to boost strategy and offensive execution.
If the Magic still cannot reach the level of contenders like the Cavaliers and Knicks next season, it is fair to question Jamahl Mosley’s future in Orlando. At the very least, he needs to lead this team to the second round. Anything less is a failure.
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