History of Nick Nurse in Timeline

Nick Nurse is an American professional basketball coach currently leading the Philadelphia 76ers. He gained prominence as the head coach of the Toronto Raptors, guiding them to their first NBA championship in 2019. His coaching success earned him the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2020. Nurse's tenure with the Raptors solidified his reputation as a successful and innovative coach in the NBA.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 24, 1967: Nicholas David Nurse Born

On July 24, 1967, Nicholas David Nurse was born. He later became a successful basketball coach.

1985: Played at University of Northern Iowa

In 1985, Nick Nurse began playing basketball at the University of Northern Iowa.

1989: Student Assistant Coach for Northern Iowa

During the 1989-90 season, Nick Nurse served as the sole student assistant coach for Northern Iowa.

1989: Continued playing at University of Northern Iowa

In 1989, Nick Nurse continued his basketball career at the University of Northern Iowa.

May 1990: Graduated from University of Northern Iowa

In May 1990, Nick Nurse graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a B.A. in accounting.

1990: Player-Coach for Derby Rams

In 1990, Nick Nurse became a player-coach for the Derby Rams in the British Basketball League.

1991: Head Coach at Grand View University

In 1991, at the age of 23, Nick Nurse became the head coach at Grand View University, making him the youngest college basketball head coach in the country at the time.

1996: BBL Championship with Birmingham Bullets

In 1996, Nick Nurse won a BBL championship as head coach with the Birmingham Bullets.

1998: Coached Telindus Oostende

In 1998, Nick Nurse coached for the Telindus Oostende of the Ethias League.

1999: BBL Coach of the Year Nomination

In 1999, Nick Nurse was nominated for the BBL Coach of the Year.

2000: BBL Championship and Coach of the Year

In 2000, Nick Nurse won a BBL championship with the Manchester Giants and was named BBL Coach of the Year.

2001: Assistant Coach for Oklahoma Storm

In 2001, Nick Nurse became an assistant coach for the Oklahoma Storm of the United States Basketball League.

2003: BBL Coach of the Year Award

In 2003, Nick Nurse won the BBL Coach of the Year Award.

2005: Assistant Coach for Oklahoma Storm Again

In 2005, Nick Nurse returned as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma Storm of the United States Basketball League.

2007: Head Coach for Iowa Energy

In 2007, Nick Nurse accepted the head coaching job for the Iowa Energy in the NBA D-League.

2008: Division Title with Iowa Energy

In 2008-2009, Nick Nurse coached the Iowa Energy to win a division title.

2009: Assistant Coach for Great Britain National Team

In 2009, Nick Nurse became an assistant coach under Chris Finch for the Great Britain national team.

2009: Division Title with Iowa Energy

In 2009-2010, Nick Nurse coached the Iowa Energy to win another division title.

April 2010: Associate Head Coach for Iowa State Cyclones

In April 2010, Nick Nurse briefly joined the Iowa State Cyclones as an associate head coach before a coaching change led to a settlement.

2010: Returned to Iowa Energy

In 2010, Nick Nurse returned to his former position as head coach of the Iowa Energy.

2011: Left Energy for Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Before the 2011-2012 season, Nick Nurse left the Iowa Energy to coach the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

2011: Coach of the Year and D-League Championship

In 2011, Nick Nurse received the Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year Award and led the Iowa Energy to the D-League championship.

2012: Assistant Coach for Great Britain at Summer Olympics

In 2012, Nick Nurse served as an assistant coach for the Great Britain national team at the Summer Olympics in London.

2012: Coached Rio Grande Valley Vipers

In 2012-2013, Nick Nurse coached the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

July 2013: Assistant Job on the Coaching Staff of the Toronto Raptors

In July 2013, Nick Nurse departed the Vipers for an assistant job on the coaching staff of the Toronto Raptors under Dwane Casey.

2017: Changes to Raptors' Offensive Game Plan

In the 2017-2018 season, Nick Nurse was credited for changes to the Raptors' offensive game plan which included increases in passing and three-point attempts.