Sports can oftentimes be fickle toward both players and coaches. We often see a “what have you done for me lately?” mindset when it comes to the leagues, even if it isn’t always fair.
In the NBA, failure to repeat success can be catastrophic in terms of job security. We just saw the Sacramento Kings fire head coach Mike Brown just two seasons removed from him winning the 2023 NBA Coach of the Year.
Read more: Kings Shockingly Fire HC Mike Brown Following Poor Start to Season
It’s no secret that leagues can be tough, making the need to win in the current moment all that much more important. The firing of Brown shows that even coaches who look safe may not actually be.
Here is a prediction of the next few coaches who could see the boot if their team fails to find success this season.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves Chris Finch looks on in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on December 08, 2024 in San Francisco,…
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves Chris Finch looks on in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on December 08, 2024 in San Francisco, California. Finch has a lot of pressure on him this season.
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
Honorary Mention: Chris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves
After reaching the Western Conference Finals a year ago, the Timberwolves have stumbled out of the gates. The team traded away longtime star Karl-Anthony Towns over the offseason, taking away some real firepower. But nonetheless, the goal in Minnesota is to win a title.
Finch just signed a contract extension this offseason that takes him through the 2027–28 season. But the Kings did the same with Brown before they let him go. It seems unlikely that Finch will get fired after this season if the Wolves don’t improve but his seat will be as hot as it has ever been.
5. Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
This one may seem far-fetched by Golden State has underperformed for a few years now. The Warriors didn’t even make the playoffs last year and there was speculation about Kerr moving on.
However, the Warriors have been trying to add before the NBA trade deadline and that could save Kerr. The Team USA head coach will need to prove his worth the rest of the way to save his skin.
4. Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks
Rivers took over mid-season last year in a very confusing move by the organization. The veteran head coach is loved in Milwaukee by ownership but if the Bucks fail to deliver again, he could be let go.
If anything, Rivers may be put into the front office but his days on the sidelines could be over. The pressure is on in Milwaukee as they try to go after another NBA championship.
3. Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are on the verge of a complete rebuild and they are actively looking to trade the final few star players on the roster. If they are successful, the front office may want a different leader for the down years.
Donovan isn’t a bad coach but he may not fit where Chicago is heading right now. This could see him be pushed out but he likely wouldn’t be on the free-agent market for too long.
2. Rick Carlisle, Indiana Pacers
Carlisle is one of the more respected coaches in the NBA today but Indiana is looking to win. The Pacers made an expected trip to the Eastern Conference finals a year ago and now there are expectations for this team.
Indiana started out slowly this season but has since picked things back up. But if the Pacers were to fall short this year, ownership could look for a new leader.
1. Chauncey Billups, Portland Trail Blazers
Billups has been at the helm for a few years now and the team hasn’t seen much improvement. This isn’t all his fault as the roster just underwent a rebuild last season.
Portland could benefit from keeping Billups for now as they go through the rebuilding process. But general manager Joe Cronin wants results and so far, the former NBA star hasn’t quite delivered them.
For more on the NBA at large, check out Newsweek Sports.
Predicting Next NBA Head Coaches to Get Fired After Mike Brown
