Don Nelson, the second-winningest head coach in NBA history, has passed away at the age of 86; his family has announced. Nelson spent 31 seasons as a head coach, including stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks. “On Sunday morning our beloved husband, Dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family. Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories," Nelson’s family said in a statement. Nelson enjoyed a stellar career as a player, winning five championships across 14 seasons, 11 of which were with the Boston Celtics, who retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978. The Michigan native began his coaching career with the Bucks in 1976, capturing seven straight Central Division titles and missing the playoffs just twice in 11 seasons in Milwaukee. Nelson then spent seven seasons in Golden State before resigning midway through the 1994/95 season. After a brief stint with the Knicks, he spent eight seasons with the Mavericks before returning to the Warriors in 2006. The three-time NBA Coach of the Year finished his coaching career in 2010 with a 1,335-1,063 record, setting the all-time mark for wins until it was surpassed by Gregg Popovich. Nelson never won a championship as a coach and was unable to lead his team to a Finals appearance.
Milwaukee is not set to be in the national spotlight much after a tough 2025-26 campaign without its former superstar. Here's what to know after Thursday's announcement.
