The NBA offseason has seen significant coaching turnover heading into the 2026-27 season. To show, several teams are opting for fresh voices after varying degrees of NBA betting odds disappointment in the prior year.
The Milwaukee Bucks moved quickly to bring in Taylor Jenkins. Previously, he was the Memphis Grizzlies coach who had built a strong reputation for player development and competitive cultures. However, he had a somewhat surprising midseason exit from the Grizzlies.
Jenkins once served as an assistant under Mike Budenholzer in Milwaukee. He brings a proven track record of turning lottery teams into playoff contenders, including multiple 50-win seasons and a knack for pace-and-space offenses paired with physical, turnover-forcing defenses.
Previously, the Bucks squad stumbled badly under Doc Rivers. In turn, it faces big questions about its future without Giannis Antetokounmpo. This hire feels like a stabilizing force that could bridge win-now contention with youth integration. It offers tactical balance and a cultural reset that many see as inspired, given the circumstances.
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Meanwhile, in Dallas, the Mavericks made an offshore bookmaker splash by landing Dusty May. He is coming off his national title success at Michigan. Now he is paired with a young core, led by Cooper Flagg, under new leadership from Masai Ujiri.
May’s college pedigree suggests an emphasis on modern schemes, player empowerment, and development. Gamblers believe that could inject energy into a franchise that parted ways with Jason Kidd. Following another underwhelming postseason run. It stands out as one of the more intriguing hires of the cycle. Dallas is betting on proven leadership from outside the traditional NBA assistant pipeline.
And then the Chicago Bulls turned to Tiago Splitter. He impressed as Portland’s interim coach by steering them to a solid record in a tough spot. The former NBA center and longtime Spurs system disciple represents a thoughtful, steady-hand choice. Correlate that he takes over a Bulls team seeking direction after Billy Donovan’s tenure.
Splitter’s background promises defensive discipline, player buy-in, and continuity from winning cultures. In turn, he could help stabilize a franchise in transition even if it feels like a lower-upside move compared to flashier candidates.
Meanwhile, New Orleans went with Jamahl Mosley, fresh from his firing by the Orlando Magic. He arrives on a multiyear deal that gives him another shot to implement his rebuild-oriented approach. He inherits Zion Williamson and a revamped supporting cast.
Mosley earned praise earlier in his career for elevating young groups through structure and motivation. His Magic stint ended amid playoff shortcomings. For the Pelicans, this feels like a low-risk reclamation project aimed at maximizing talent that has underperformed expectations. New Orleans is banking on familiarity with the front-office philosophy to spark better results.
Portland rounded things out by hiring longtime Minnesota assistant Micah Nori on a short-term deal with team options. Specifically, Nori is a pragmatic choice for a rebuilding Blazers squad. Portland is seeking development expertise and authenticity without a heavy long-term commitment.
Nori’s work with successful Timberwolves teams highlights his ability to contribute to winning environments and nurture talent. Hence, he aligns well with Portland’s youth-focused direction under new leadership.
Finally, the Orlando Magic promoted from within the broader coaching tree by bringing in San Antonio associate head coach Sean Sweeney. He is a rising name with stops in Dallas and elsewhere that emphasize detail-oriented intensity. He brings system continuity from the Popovich lineage.
After parting with Mosley following a first-round exit, Orlando is placing faith in Sweeney’s leadership. He is to push a young core featuring Paolo Banchero and others toward deeper playoff runs. Specifically, prioritizing fresh energy and defensive-minded growth over proven head-coaching experience.
