Career Timeline of Phil Jackson: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Phil Jackson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Phil Jackson is a highly decorated former NBA player and coach. He won two NBA championships as a player and a record-breaking 11 as a head coach. Known for his unique coaching style incorporating mindfulness and Eastern philosophies, Jackson led the Chicago Bulls to six championships (two three-peats) and the Los Angeles Lakers to five. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and named one of the 10 greatest coaches in NBA history in 1996. His 229 postseason wins and 13 conference titles further cement his legacy as one of the sport's most successful figures.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1967: NBA Draft and Joining the New York Knicks

In 1967, Phil Jackson was drafted by the New York Knicks, beginning his NBA journey as a player.

1967: Drafted by the New York Knicks

In 1967, Phil Jackson was drafted in the second round by the New York Knicks, marking the beginning of his NBA playing career.

1970: Authored Take It All

In 1970, Phil Jackson authored "Take It All", a photo diary documenting the Knicks' championship run; Jackson was recovering from spinal fusion surgery and didn't play during the season.

1973: NBA Title with the Knicks

In 1973, Phil Jackson won an NBA title as a player with the New York Knicks, contributing as a top reserve.

1973: Starters retire and Jackson gets a chance

Soon after the 1973 title win with the Knicks, several key starters retired, which created an opening for Phil Jackson in the starting lineup.

1978: Traded to the New Jersey Nets

In 1978, Phil Jackson crossed the Hudson River to play two seasons for the New Jersey Nets.

1979: Final NBA season

The 1979-80 NBA season was Phil Jackson's final season as a player.

1984: First Coaching Championship

In 1984, Phil Jackson secured his first coaching championship in the CBA, leading the Albany Patroons to their first title.

1985: Named CBA Coach of the Year

In 1985, Phil Jackson was named the CBA Coach of the Year, recognizing his achievements in coaching.

1986: Coached the Gallitos de Isabela

In 1986, Phil Jackson coached the Gallitos de Isabela in Puerto Rico's National Superior Basketball (BSN).

1987: Coached the Piratas de Quebradillas

In 1987, Phil Jackson coached the Piratas de Quebradillas in Puerto Rico's National Superior Basketball (BSN).

1987: Hired as Assistant Coach by Chicago Bulls

In 1987, Phil Jackson was hired as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls under Doug Collins.

1989: Promoted to Head Coach of the Bulls

In 1989, Phil Jackson was promoted to head coach of the Chicago Bulls after Doug Collins was fired.

1991: First NBA Championship with the Bulls

In 1991, Phil Jackson led the Chicago Bulls to their first NBA Championship, marking the beginning of their dominant run.

1992: Start of first "three-peat"

In 1992, Phil Jackson was on his way to his first "three-peat" with the Chicago Bulls.

1993: Michael Jordan's First Retirement

In 1993, Michael Jordan's first retirement marked the end of the Bulls' first "three-peat" under Phil Jackson.

1993: Third Consecutive Championship with the Bulls

In 1993, Phil Jackson and the Chicago Bulls won their third consecutive NBA Championship, completing their first "three-peat".

1996: Fourth Championship with the Bulls

In 1996, Phil Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls to their fourth NBA Championship, solidifying their dominance.

1996: Named One of the 10 Greatest Coaches

In 1996, Phil Jackson was named one of the 10 greatest coaches in NBA history, solidifying his reputation as a coaching legend.

1998: Sixth Championship with the Bulls

In 1998, Phil Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls to their sixth NBA Championship, concluding the Jordan era with another title.

1998: Departure from the Bulls

In 1998, after winning the final title of the Jordan era, Phil Jackson left the Chicago Bulls, initially vowing never to coach again.

1999: Hired as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1999, Phil Jackson was hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, embarking on a new chapter in his coaching career.

1999: Decision to Coach the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1999, after a year off, Phil Jackson decided to coach the Los Angeles Lakers, marking his return to the NBA coaching scene.

2000: NBA Championship with the Lakers

In 2000, Phil Jackson led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA championship by beating the Indiana Pacers, marking his first year with the team.

2001: NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2001, Phil Jackson led the Los Angeles Lakers to another NBA Championship, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers.

2002: Third Consecutive Championship with the Lakers

In 2002, Phil Jackson and the Los Angeles Lakers won their third consecutive NBA Championship, achieving their own "three-peat".

2002: NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2002, Phil Jackson secured his third consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, defeating the New Jersey Nets.

2003: Lakers sign veterans Karl Malone and Gary Payton

Prior to the 2003-04 season, the Lakers signed NBA star veterans Karl Malone and Gary Payton, who had been franchise players for the Utah Jazz and the Seattle SuperSonics, respectively.

June 18, 2004: Departure from the Lakers

On June 18, 2004, three days after the loss to the Pistons, the Lakers announced that Phil Jackson would leave his position as Lakers coach due to contract disagreements and tensions, as well as the belief that Kobe Bryant was favored by team owner Dr. Jerry Buss.

2004: Loss in the NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons

In 2004, Phil Jackson and the Los Angeles Lakers lost in the NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons, ending their championship streak.

2004: Loss to the Pistons in NBA Finals

In 2004, the Lakers, despite being favored, were upset by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, marking Jackson's first loss in the Finals as a head coach in ten attempts.

2004: Lakers' struggles without Jackson

In 2004, without Jackson and O'Neal, the Lakers struggled and went 34-48, missing the playoffs for the first time in 11 years.

June 15, 2005: Rehired by Lakers

On June 15, 2005, Phil Jackson was rehired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

2005: Return to the Lakers

In 2005, Phil Jackson returned to coach the Los Angeles Lakers, resuming his role after a season off.

2006: Playoff Loss to Phoenix Suns

In 2006, Phil Jackson coached the Lakers to a seventh-seed playoff berth, but they lost in the first round to the Phoenix Suns, marking the first time a Jackson-coached team had failed to reach the second round of the playoffs.

January 7, 2007: Jackson Wins 900th Game

On January 7, 2007, Phil Jackson secured his 900th NBA win, making him the ninth coach to reach this milestone. He also achieved this feat faster than any other coach, reaching 900 wins in just 1,264 games.

December 12, 2007: Jackson Signs Contract Extension with the Lakers

On December 12, 2007, Phil Jackson, after announcing his return, signed a two-year contract extension to continue coaching the Los Angeles Lakers through the 2009-2010 season.

December 25, 2008: Jackson Reaches 1,000 Wins

On December 25, 2008, Phil Jackson achieved his 1,000th win as a coach, with the Lakers defeating the Celtics. He was the fastest coach to reach this milestone.

2009: Lakers Win NBA Championship

In 2009, Phil Jackson coached the Lakers to victory in the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic, securing his 10th NBA championship as head coach. This win surpassed Red Auerbach and gave Jackson the record for most championships won by a head coach.

2009: Championship with the Lakers

In 2009, Phil Jackson secured another championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, adding to his impressive record.

February 3, 2010: Jackson Becomes Most Successful Lakers Coach

On February 3, 2010, Phil Jackson achieved his 534th win as head coach of the Lakers, surpassing Pat Riley as the most successful coach in the franchise's history.

July 1, 2010: Jackson Decides to Return for 2010-11 Season

On July 1, 2010, Phil Jackson announced that he would return to coach the Lakers for the 2010-11 season after considering health concerns.

August 2, 2010: Jackson Signs Contract for Final Season

On August 2, 2010, Phil Jackson signed a new contract with the Lakers, confirming that the 2010-11 season would be his last.

2010: Fifth-Most NBA Wins

At the end of the 2010 season, Phil Jackson had the fifth-most wins of any NBA coach and was one of only six to have over 1,000 wins.

2010: Championship with the Lakers

In 2010, Phil Jackson won another championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, further cementing his legacy as a coach.

January 2011: Jackson Reiterates Final Season

In January 2011, Phil Jackson reiterated that the 2010-11 season would be his final season as a coach, with no possibility of reconsideration.

2011: Retirement from Coaching

In 2011, Phil Jackson retired from coaching, marking the end of a remarkable career on the sidelines.

2012: Lakers Pass on Jackson, Hire D'Antoni

In 2012, after firing Mike Brown, the Lakers approached Phil Jackson to replace him. However, they hired Mike D'Antoni instead, favoring his fast-paced style over Jackson's triangle offense. Lakers fans chanted "We Want Phil!" at Staples Center during the lead-up to D'Antoni's signing.

April 21, 2014: Woodson and Staff Fired by Jackson

On April 21, 2014, Mike Woodson and his entire staff were fired by Phil Jackson, following the Knicks finishing the season with a 37-45 record.

June 9, 2014: Knicks Hire Derek Fisher as Head Coach

On June 9, 2014, Derek Fisher was hired as the head coach of the Knicks. Fisher previously played under Phil Jackson for the Lakers and won five championships.

June 25, 2014: Knicks Trade Felton and Chandler to Mavericks

On June 25, 2014, the Knicks, under Phil Jackson, traded Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler to the Dallas Mavericks for Shane Larkin, José Calderón, Samuel Dalembert, Wayne Ellington and two draft picks. This was Jackson's first trade as a front office executive.

2014: Becoming Team President of the New York Knicks

In 2014, Phil Jackson became the team president of the New York Knicks, returning to the franchise where his playing career began.

2014: Jackson Becomes President of the Knicks

In 2014, Phil Jackson was introduced as the president of the New York Knicks after agreeing to a five-year, $60 million contract.

June 25, 2015: Knicks Draft Kristaps Porziņģis

On June 25, 2015, the Knicks drafted Kristaps Porziņģis with the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft.

June 28, 2017: Jackson and Knicks Part Ways

On June 28, 2017, the Knicks officially announced a mutual decision to part ways with Phil Jackson, reportedly due to his handling of Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porziņģis. He was replaced by Steve Mills.