Phil Jackson was at the helm of the 1990s Chicago Bulls dynasty, featuring Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and more.
The Bulls completed two 3-peats and won a total of six NBA Championships in a span of eight years under Jackson’s coaching.
Jackson’s phenomenal triangle offense did wonders for Jordan and co., who were previously struggling to make a deep playoff run.
Speaking of the legendary head coach, he recently turned 78 years old via NBA History and fans celebrated on Twitter.
Join us in wishing a Happy 78th Birthday to 11x NBA champion as a Head Coach, 2x NBA champion as a player, 1996 NBA Coach of the Year and @Hoophall inductee, Phil Jackson! #NBABDAY pic.twitter.com/GdpI9LBZp6
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) September 17, 2023
Happy birthday coach Phil!
— Not Uncertain (@notuncertain_) September 17, 2023
Happy Birthday to one of the greatest coaches ever🎉
— NBA Muse (@NBAMuseAcc) September 17, 2023
The Greatest one alongside with Pops! When NBA pratice real true basketball, at 90s. Midrange game, offensive triangle, fadeaways and not the 3pt contest inside a game played nowadays! Thank you, Master Phil Jackson for the 6 Titles for the Chicago Bulls!
— Thiago Julião Paiva 🇨🇺🇵🇸🇦🇷 (@tjp_petrucci) September 17, 2023
He has been a NBA champion in 17% of the years he’s been alive
— Milfwaukee Bucks 🦌 (@MilfwaukeeBucks) September 17, 2023
GOAT Coach 🐐
— RADEST (@RAD_3182) September 17, 2023
While Jackson is widely credited for his success during his coaching days, he was also a winner during his playing days.
Jackson was a part of the New York Knicks’ championship runs in 1970 and 1973.
Sure, the Zen Master was not a superstar during his playing days, but there’s hardly anyone who can argue his status as one of the greatest coaches of all time.
After winning six NBA titles with Michael Jordan, Jackson took a new challenge by joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 1999.
Jackson led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA Championships.
He would later step down from the position of the head coach of the Lakers for a couple of seasons, only to rejoin the team.
The Lakers won two NBA titles in 2009 and 2010 under Jackson’s coaching as well.
All things considered, Jackson won 11 NBA titles as a coach and two as a player.
Jackson is currently retired from coaching, but makes the occasional appearance in podcasts and interviews.
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