Bill Russell coached in the NBA across three tenures: Boston (1966-69), Seattle (1973-77), and Sacramento (1987-88). He became the first Black coach in league history when the Celtics named him player-coach in 1966.
Russell succeeded Red Auerbach and led Boston Celtics to championships in 1968 and 1969. He is the only player-coach in league history to win a title.
The Boston Celtics went 162-83 (.661) under Bill Russell in the regular season and 28-18 in the playoffs. He retired from playing and coaching after the 1969 title.
Bill Russell:
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 31, 2022
– First Black head coach in North American professional sports
– Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient
– 11x NBA champion
– 5x NBA MVP
– 12x NBA All-Star
– 2x NCAA champion
– 2x NBA champion as a coach
– NBA Lifetime Achievement Award
A life unlike any other 👏 pic.twitter.com/Izw5Ear9BH
In 1973, Seattle hired Russell as coach and general manager. The SuperSonics posted a combined 162-166 (.494) record over four seasons. Russell led Seattle to its first playoff appearances in 1975 and 1976. Reportedly, his approach included tough criticism and roster changes, including cost-cutting moves. The Sonics lost in the first round both years and missed the postseason in 1977.
Russell returned to coaching in 1987 with Sacramento. He went 17-41 (.293) before being reassigned before the end of the season.
How Many Rings Did Bill Russell Win as a Coach?
Never forget Bill Russell coached the Celtics to two championships while also playing center. Doesn’t get talked about enough. pic.twitter.com/02KaX9ZwPc
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) February 15, 2024
Bill Russell won two NBA championships as a player-coach with the Boston Celtics in 1968 and 1969. He is one of two player-coaches to win an NBA title, along with Buddy Jeannette, who did so with the Baltimore Bullets in the 1947-48 season.
Russell won 11 NBA championships, including two as a player-coach.
Bill Russell will always be remembered as the ultimate winner.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 31, 2022
– 2 straight NCAA Championships
– 1956 Olympic Gold Medal
– 11 NBA Championships (2 as player-coach) pic.twitter.com/jynch9jSpn
Bill Russell’s Coaching Record
- Regular season: 631 games, 341-290 (.540)
- Boston: 245 games, 162-83 (.661), 2 titles
- Seattle: 328 games, 162-166 (.494)
- Sacramento: 58 games, 17-41 (.293)
Russell was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2021. He had previously been inducted as a player.
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