The Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award is an annual award given to an NBA head coach who demonstrates outstanding performance and exceptional dedication and service to their community off the court. The award is unique because it is voted on by the head coaches of all 30 NBA teams, doing it a highly respected and prestigious honor among the coaching community.
The award is named in honor of Michael H. Goldberg, the first executive director of the National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA). Goldberg was a highly respected figure in basketball, having worked as a general counsel for the American Basketball Association (ABA) before becoming involved with the NBA. As the executive director of the NBCA, Goldberg was instrumental in securing increased benefits for NBA coaches, including better retirement funds and disability insurance.
The Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award was first presented in 2017 and has been awarded to some of the most successful and respected coaches in the NBA, including Mike D’Antoni, Erik Spoelstra, and Dwane Casey. The same coach has also won the award multiple times, with Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns winning the award in both 2021 and 2022.
Winning the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award is a significant achievement for any NBA head coach, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and commitment to basketball. In addition to the recognition and prestige of the award, winning coaches also receive a trophy and a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice.
Overall, the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award is an important recognition of the critical role that head coaches play in the success of their teams and the wider basketball community. By honoring the legacy of Michael Goldberg and recognizing the outstanding contributions of NBA head coaches, the award serves as a reminder of the importance of hard work, dedication, and service in basketball and beyond.