KnowraNBA Coach of the Year AwardLinked fromLinked fromThe 7 pages that link to NBA Coach of the Year Award, each with the reason it gives.All 7Related 5Compared with 2Larry BirdRelated: Bird won the award in 1998, becoming the first coach to win it in his first season.Phil JacksonRelated: Jackson won the award in 1996, despite later becoming better known for postseason titles.Gregg PopovichRelated: Popovich received the award three times during his Spurs tenure.NBA Defensive Player of the Year AwardCompared with: Team defense can shape both awards, but this one honors a coach.Red AuerbachRelated: The award was renamed the Red Auerbach Trophy in 1966 to recognize his influence.Pat RileyRelated: Riley won it three times, reflecting success with different teams.John KundlaCompared with: Kundla’s championship record brought acclaim, though the award began after his Lakers tenure.