With two weeks remaining in the NBA season, some teams are competing for playoff positions, while others are looking ahead. For several, this may lead to changes in head coaching staff.
Here are five NBA coaches who might not remain with their teams after the 2025-26 season.
NBA teams often turn to Doc Rivers when they seek a seasoned leader for a title-contending team. This was the case with the “Lob City” Los Angeles Clippers and the Joel Embiid-led Philadelphia 76ers. The Bucks hired Rivers after parting ways with rookie coach Adrian Griffin in January 2024. However, the team has lost in the first round to the Indiana Pacers for two consecutive seasons.
This season, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has played only 36 games, and the Bucks are currently 29-45. The future of Antetokounmpo is uncertain as the Bucks have yet to decide whether to trade him or extend his contract. It seems unlikely that the 64-year-old Rivers will be part of Milwaukee’s future plans.
Jamahl Mosley has made significant improvements at the Orlando Magic since his hiring five seasons ago. After boosting their wins from 34 to 47 in 2023-24, the Magic appeared to be on the rise as a potential powerhouse. However, injuries led them to a 41-41 record in the 2024-25 season. Despite trading multiple first-round picks for Desmond Bane this year, Orlando has dropped from No. 2 to No. 15 in team defense, coupled with a below-average offense.
If the Magic suffer early exits, either in the play-in or first round again, they might consider replacing Mosley to pursue a more competitive future.
On the other hand, it’s not Janan Keefe’s fault that the Wizards have not been competing since he became head coach on January 25, 2024. However, a 45-152 record raises concerns, as winning only 22 percent of games is challenging for any head coach. Keefe’s standing may have suffered after a game where the Wizards allowed 83 points to Bam Adebayo, highlighting defensive weaknesses.
Looking ahead, the Wizards seem ready to aim for wins again next season, thanks to midseason acquisitions like Anthony Davis and Trae Young. However, Keefe may not continue with the team.
Steve Kerr has achieved four championships with the Warriors, alongside star player Steph Curry. His coaching contract is up at the season’s end, and the Warriors are facing an uncertain future. With Curry at 38 and Draymond Green at 36, as well as major knee injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody this season, questions arise about the Warriors’ direction. Will they keep the NBA’s highest-paid coach if they’re not in contention? Would Kerr want to lead a struggling team when he has other opportunities in broadcasting and business?
Meanwhile, the Rockets, who finished second in the Western Conference last season, lost in the first round to the Warriors, unable to score 100 points in three losses. Despite making a major acquisition of Kevin Durant last summer, the Rockets’ offense still appears lacking and ineffective.
Given the considerable investment in this team, another early playoff exit could jeopardize Ime Udoka’s position. The Rockets have a history of making bold coaching changes, having dismissed Kevin McHale following a Western Conference Finals appearance and bringing in Mike D’Antoni in 2016. Udoka may find himself coaching for his future in the upcoming month.