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 successful American former NBA player and coach, renowned for his record-breaking 11 NBA championships as a head coach. He won two championships as a player. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, Jackson is celebrated as one of the 10 greatest coaches in NBA history (1996). He also holds records for most postseason wins (229) and conference titles (13).

Sections (5)

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

1962: Bill Fitch becomes Head Basketball Coach at University of North Dakota

In the spring of 1962, Bill Fitch took over as head basketball coach at the University of North Dakota during Phil Jackson's junior year of high school. Fitch had been scouting for the Milwaukee Braves.

1967: Drafted by the New York Knicks

In 1967, Phil Jackson was drafted in the second round by the New York Knicks. Despite being limited offensively, he compensated with his intelligence and defensive skills.

1973: Opening in Starting Lineup

Following the 1973 title win, several key starters retired from the New York Knicks, creating an opportunity for Phil Jackson to move into the starting lineup.

1978: Played for the New Jersey Nets

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

1979: Final NBA season

After playing for two seasons with the New Jersey Nets, 1979-80 was Phil Jackson's last season as a player in the NBA.

January 26, 1983: Appointed Head Coach for the Albany Patroons

On January 26, 1983, Phil Jackson was appointed as the head coach for the Albany Patroons of the CBA, replacing his former teammate Dean Meminger.

1984: Coached the Piratas de Quebradillas

In 1984, Phil Jackson coached the Piratas de Quebradillas in Puerto Rico.

1986: Coached the Gallitos de Isabela

In 1986, Phil Jackson coached the Gallitos de Isabela in Puerto Rico.

October 10, 1987: Hired as Assistant Coach by the Chicago Bulls

On October 10, 1987, Phil Jackson was hired as an assistant coach by the Chicago Bulls under Doug Collins.

1987: Coached the Piratas de Quebradillas again

In 1987, Phil Jackson coached the Piratas de Quebradillas again in Puerto Rico.

1987: Hired as Assistant Coach for the Chicago Bulls

In 1987, Phil Jackson was hired as the assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls, marking a significant step in his coaching career.

1989: Promoted to Head Coach

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

1989: Promoted to Head Coach of the Bulls

In 1989, Phil Jackson was promoted to head coach of the Chicago Bulls, setting the stage for a successful coaching tenure.

1998: Departure After Final Title

After securing the Bulls' final title of the Jordan era in 1998, Phil Jackson left the team, vowing never to coach again due to tensions and the impending rebuild.

1999: Coaching another chance with the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1999, After taking a year off, Phil Jackson decided to give coaching another chance with the Los Angeles Lakers, taking over as head coach from Kurt Rambis.

1999: Hired as Head Coach of the Lakers

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

2003: Release of "The Last Season"

In 2003, Phil Jackson released "The Last Season", a book offering his perspective on the tensions within the 2003-04 Lakers team, and was critical of Kobe Bryant.

The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul

Check it on Amazon

2003: Signing of NBA Star Veterans

Prior to the 2003–04 season, the Lakers signed NBA star veterans Karl Malone and Gary Payton, leading to predictions by some that the team would finish with the best record in NBA history.

June 18, 2004: Lakers Announce Jackson's Departure

On June 18, 2004, the Lakers announced that Phil Jackson would leave his position as Lakers coach after seeking to double his salary. The departure was attributed by some to Kobe Bryant's wishes, though all parties denied any explicit demand. O'Neal indicated that the franchise was pandering to Bryant with Jackson's departure, leading to O'Neal's trade to the Miami Heat and the end of the "Trifecta".

2004: Lakers' struggles post-Jackson and O'Neal

In 2004, without Phil Jackson and O'Neal, the Lakers shifted to a faster-paced style. Injuries impacted the team, leading to a 34–48 record in the 2004-05 season and missing the playoffs. Rudy Tomjanovich resigned as coach mid-season, fueling speculation about Jackson's return.

June 15, 2005: Lakers Rehire Jackson

On June 15, 2005, the Lakers rehired Phil Jackson as their coach. He promoted selfless team play with the triangle offense. Jackson worked seamlessly with Kobe Bryant, who had expressed a desire for Jackson's return.

2005: Return to the Lakers

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

2006: Lakers' Playoff Berth and First-Round Exit

In 2006, Phil Jackson led the Lakers to a seventh-seed playoff berth. The Lakers faced the Phoenix Suns in the first round, taking a 3–1 lead, but the Suns won the series. It marked the first time a Jackson-coached team failed to reach the second round.

January 7, 2007: Jackson Achieves 900th Win

On January 7, 2007, Phil Jackson secured his 900th win, ranking him 9th on the all-time list of NBA coaches. He became the fastest to reach this milestone, achieving it in 1,264 games, surpassing Pat Riley's previous record.

December 12, 2007: Jackson Extends Contract with Lakers

On December 12, 2007, Phil Jackson signed a 2-year contract extension to remain coach of the Los Angeles Lakers through the end of the 2009–2010 season.

December 25, 2008: Jackson Achieves 1,000th Win

On December 25, 2008, Phil Jackson became the sixth coach to win 1,000 games as the Lakers defeated the Celtics. He was the fastest to reach 1,000 wins, surpassing Riley.

2008: Lakers Reach NBA Finals Against Celtics

During the 2007-08 season, the Lakers obtained Pau Gasol, and with him and Bryant, Phil Jackson coached the Lakers to the 2008 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Boston won the series 4–2, handing Jackson and the Lakers their worst playoff loss ever in Game 6.

2009: Lakers Win NBA Championship

In 2009, Phil Jackson coached the Lakers to the NBA Finals, where they defeated the Orlando Magic 4–1. This victory secured Jackson's 10th NBA championship as head coach, surpassing the record previously held by him and Red Auerbach.

February 3, 2010: Jackson Becomes Most Successful Lakers Coach

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

July 1, 2010: Jackson Announces Return to Lakers

On July 1, 2010, after deliberation, Phil Jackson announced his return to coach the Lakers for the 2010–11 season, addressing health concerns.

August 2, 2010: Jackson Signs New Contract for Final Season

On August 2, 2010, Phil Jackson signed a new contract with the Lakers for what he called "his last stand", indicating the 2010–11 season would be his final one.

2010: Fifth-Most NBA Coaching Wins

In 2010, Phil Jackson ranked fifth among all NBA coaches in total wins, surpassing 1,000 victories. He was unique among the top six coaches with 1,000+ wins for not having coached over 1,900 games and for not being in the top 10 for total games coached.

January 2011: Jackson Reiterates Final Season

In January 2011, Phil Jackson reiterated that the 2010-2011 season would be his final season as the coach of the Lakers.

2011: Retirement from Coaching

In 2011, Phil Jackson retired from coaching after a successful career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2012: Lakers Approach Jackson After Brown's Firing

In 2012, after firing Mike Brown, the Lakers approached Phil Jackson. However, they hired Mike D'Antoni instead, preferring his fast-paced style over Jackson's triangle offense, despite fan chants for Jackson.

April 21, 2014: Knicks Fire Mike Woodson and Staff

On April 21, 2014, Phil Jackson fired Mike Woodson and his entire staff after the Knicks finished the season with a 37–45 record.

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

On June 9, 2014, the Knicks hired Derek Fisher as the head coach, who previously played under Phil Jackson with the Lakers.

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 an executive.

2014: Team President of the New York Knicks

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

2014: Jackson Becomes President of the Knicks

In 2014, after discussions, Phil Jackson became the president of the New York Knicks after signing a five-year, $60 million contract on March 18.

June 25, 2015: Knicks Draft Kristaps Porziņģis

On June 25, 2015, the Knicks, led by Phil Jackson, drafted Kristaps Porziņģis with the fourth overall pick. They also traded Tim Hardaway Jr. for Jerian Grant, the 19th pick in the draft.

June 28, 2017: Jackson and Knicks Part Ways

On June 28, 2017, the Knicks announced a mutual decision to part ways with Phil Jackson. The parting was speculated to be due to Jackson's attempted buying-out of Carmelo Anthony and his public strife with Porziņģis. Steve Mills replaced Jackson.