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Who is the Shortest Coach in NBA History?

Published in NBA Coaching Records 2 mins read

The shortest-tenured coach in NBA history is Jerry Tarkanian. While the question could refer to physical height, the available historical records, particularly those concerning the brevity of coaching careers, highlight Jerry Tarkanian's exceptionally brief stint in the NBA.

Jerry Tarkanian: A Brief NBA Coaching Career

Jerry Tarkanian, a legendary figure in college basketball coaching, had a notably short career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His tenure as a head coach in the NBA lasted for a mere 20 games with the San Antonio Spurs.

Tarkanian's NBA Stint

Tarkanian coached the San Antonio Spurs for a very limited period during the 1992-1993 NBA season before parting ways with the team. His short time in the professional league contrasts sharply with his long and highly successful career at the collegiate level, where he garnered national attention and achieved significant milestones.

Key Details of Jerry Tarkanian's NBA Coaching Career:

Aspect Detail
Team Coached San Antonio Spurs
Season 1992-1993
Games Coached 20
Status Shortest-tenured NBA coach

Tarkanian's primary legacy remains in college basketball, where he was known for his innovative coaching style and multiple Final Four appearances. His brief tenure with the Spurs is a unique footnote in NBA history, marking him as the coach with the fewest games led in the league.