Phil Jackson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Phil Jackson.

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

1959: Boston Celtics began eight consecutive titles

From 1959 through 1966, the Boston Celtics won eight NBA titles in a row, the first time this had been achieved.

1966: End of Boston Celtics eight consecutive titles

From 1959 through 1966, the Boston Celtics won eight NBA titles in a row, the first time this had been achieved.

1973: NBA Title with Knicks

In 1973, Phil Jackson was a top reserve on the New York Knicks team that won the NBA title, marking a significant achievement in his playing career.

1974: Shared Lead for Total Personal Fouls

During the 1974-75 NBA season, Phil Jackson and Bob Dandridge of the Milwaukee Bucks both had 330 personal fouls, sharing the league lead.

1984: First Coaching Championship with the Patroons

In 1984, Phil Jackson won his first coaching championship with the Albany Patroons, leading them to their first title.

1985: CBA Coach of the Year

In 1985, Phil Jackson was named the CBA Coach of the Year for his success with the Albany Patroons.

1991: Defeated the Detroit Pistons

In 1991, Phil Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls to sweep the Detroit Pistons in the conference finals. The Bulls subsequently defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.

1991: First NBA Championship with Bulls

In 1991, Phil Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls to their first NBA championship, starting a dominant run in the league.

1992: Defeated the Portland Trail Blazers

In 1992, Phil Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers for the NBA championship.

1993: Defeated the Phoenix Suns

In 1993, Phil Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls to their third consecutive NBA championship, defeating the Phoenix Suns.

1993: Third Consecutive Championship with Bulls

In 1993, Phil Jackson led the Chicago Bulls to their third consecutive NBA championship, completing their first "three-peat".

1996: Fourth Championship with Bulls

In 1996, Phil Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls to their fourth NBA championship, continuing their dominance after Jordan's return.

1996: Fourth Title Over Seattle SuperSonics

In 1996, Phil Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls to their fourth NBA title, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics, after setting a regular season record of 72-10.

1996: Named One of the 10 Greatest Coaches in League History

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

1997: Fifth Title Over Utah Jazz

In 1997, Phil Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls to their fifth NBA title, defeating the Utah Jazz.

1998: Sixth Title Over Utah Jazz

In 1998, Phil Jackson led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth NBA title, again defeating the Utah Jazz, despite an aging and injured roster.

1998: Sixth Championship with Bulls

In 1998, Phil Jackson secured his sixth NBA championship as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, marking the end of an era.

2000: NBA Championship with the Lakers

In 2000, Phil Jackson and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers, coached by Larry Bird, in the NBA championship. The Lakers had a regular season record of 67-15.

2001: Additional Title in 2001

In 2001, Phil Jackson led the Lakers to another title, marking his second consecutive championship with the team, against the Philadelphia 76ers.

2002: Another title in 2002

In 2002, Phil Jackson coached the Los Angeles Lakers to their third consecutive title, defeating the New Jersey Nets. The main challenge the Lakers faced was from the Sacramento Kings.

2002: Third Consecutive Championship with Lakers

In 2002, Phil Jackson led the Los Angeles Lakers to their third consecutive NBA championship, securing his second "three-peat" as a coach.

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.

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.

2007: Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2007, Phil Jackson was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the sport.

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.

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.

2009: Championship with the Lakers

In 2009, Phil Jackson coached the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA championship, marking his fourth title with the team.

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.

2010: Another Championship with the Lakers

In 2010, Phil Jackson led the Los Angeles Lakers to another NBA championship, winning his fifth title with the team.

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.