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NBA: Former Head Coaches Who Deserve Another Chance

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson and current ESPN commentator smiles before the start of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson and current ESPN commentator smiles before the start of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Mike Woodson of the New York Knicks in action against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on April 4, 2014 in New York City. The Wizards defeated the Knicks 90-89. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Mike Woodson of the New York Knicks in action against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on April 4, 2014 in New York City. The Wizards defeated the Knicks 90-89. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Mike Woodson

Years Active: 2004 to 2010
Team(s): Atlanta Hawks & New York Knicks
Regular Season Record: 315-365 (.463)
Postseason Record: 18-28 (.391)

The reputation that Mike Woodson has achieved during his NBA coaching career doesn’t do him justice. The New York Knicks quit on him in 2013-14—and haven’t been back to the playoffs without him—and the Atlanta Hawks won 53 games in Woodson’s last season.

Thus, while it’s fair to be concerned with Woodson’s tendency to live in isolation on offense, he’s a brilliant defensive coach.

In 2012-13, Woodson led the Knicks to the team’s highest win total since 1996-97. Though he was criticized for a lack of creativity on offense, he convinced players such as J.R. Smith and Amar’e Stoudemire to play defense.

On the offensive end of the floor, his team also set a then record for 3-point field goals made in a single season.

Woodson may or may not be a championship-caliber coach, but he’s the perfect guy to coach a team up on defense. There may be a ceiling, and he may be more of a transitional coach, but teams need that type of presence if they’re starting from outside the playoffs.

Woodson has his fair share of critics, but he’s made the playoffs in five of his six most recent seasons as head coach.

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Nothing is imminent or likely to happen until 2017, but these five coaches deserve future consideration.