Expert: Bret Temple - 11/29/2010

Question
I want to become an NBA coach but I don't know how to get started and where to begin. I know some things about coaching and the rules but not that much. What types of education would I need? Do I need to get involved in with basketball right away? Do I have to play basketball to become a coach? Are there and coaching camps around if so where are they and when do they start?

Answer
Hi Kenneth,

I think it's great that you have the ambition to want to coach at the highest level of basketball. I will tell you that it's a long and tough road, and my advice would be to start coaching right away. I'm not sure how old you are, and if you have never coached before, I would start at the youth level, and see how you like it. Believe me, it's a very difficult job no matter what level you coach at, but it can be and is very rewarding. It's not mandatory that you play in the NBA to become an NBA coach, but to be honest, most NBA head coaches were at one point a player. That doesn't mean it's impossible, the NBA has chosen coaches from Division 1 college teams who have never played in the NBA. Eventually you want to work your way up to being a high school coach first. Most public school require you to have a teaching Credential in order to coach. so you might want to major in Physical Education and become a P.E. teacher and then find a way to coach. If your successful at the high school level, you can start finding ways to work your way into assisting at the college level, and continue to work you way into a head coaching job. As far as coaching camps, I'm sure there are some around. I'm an official, so I concentrate on officiating camps not coaching, but ask around, and you might find something. Work hard, and I'm sure you will accomplish what your looking to do. Just keep in mind, you can be very successful coaching in college too. Some college coaches make as much as NBA coaches. Good Luck