Is Phil Jackson Retired from the NBA?
Phil Jackson is not retired from professional basketball in a formal capacity, though he has stepped back from head coaching. He served as president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks from 2014 to 2017, a role he left after a mutual agreement with the team. Since then, he has remained connected to the sport through consulting and advisory roles, and he continues to hold significant influence in NBA front office circles. His last on-court coaching position was with the Knicks, where he won 54 games over two seasons before departing in 2017 NBA.com.
Jackson's departure from the Knicks did not signal a full exit from the league. He has since worked as a consultant for multiple teams and has been vocal about his views on modern basketball strategy. His expertise in the triangle offense and team management remains highly sought after, even if he is not currently holding a full-time executive or coaching position. This ongoing involvement means he is better described as semi-retired or in a advisory phase of his career.
What Is Phil Jackson Doing Now?
Currently, Phil Jackson is focused on consulting and business ventures outside of daily NBA operations. He has advised several franchises on team building and culture, leveraging his 11 NBA championships as a head coach. His primary activities include scouting, mentorship, and strategic planning for organizations looking to rebuild or refine their rosters.
Beyond basketball, Jackson has invested in various business and real estate opportunities. He maintains a low public profile but remains a respected figure in sports management circles. His current net worth is estimated at over $70 million, built from his coaching contracts, executive roles, and business investments Forbes.
Phil Jackson's Career Earnings and Legacy
Phil Jackson earned an estimated $110 million in salary over his 20-year NBA coaching career, with his highest annual earnings coming from his tenure with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. His coaching record includes 1,155 regular-season wins and 199 playoff victories, ranking him among the top five in NBA history for total wins Basketball Reference.
His legacy is defined by his unmatched six championships as a head coach and his ability to manage superstar egos, particularly with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O'Neal. Jackson's influence extends to modern NBA culture, where his mindfulness and team-building philosophies are widely studied. He remains a key reference point for any discussion about championship-caliber leadership in professional sports ESPN.