NBA Coach of the Year (COY) rankings 2024-25: Longtime top 5 leader falls in Week 6 ft. Ime Udoka

Week 6 of the 2024-25 NBA season delivered its fair share of surprises, including the Cleveland Cavaliers dropping consecutive games for the first time this season against the Atlanta Hawks. As a result, Kenny Atkinson has lost his grip on the top spot in our rankings after dominating the past four weeks.

Who has risen to take his place? Let’s dive in and evaluate the coaches making the strongest cases for Coach of the Year after Week 6.

Top five NBA Coach of the Year candidates after Week 6

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#5. Jamahl Mosley (Last week’s ranking: Unranked)

Jamahl Mosley - Source: Imagn

When Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero went down with a torn right oblique in late October, many anticipated the team would falter. But after a brief adjustment period, the Magic have found their rhythm, with Franz Wagner stepping up in a big way. Wagner averaged 25.1 points, 6.6 assists and 6.1 rebounds over the past month, guiding Orlando to a 12-5 record during that span, including a perfect 4-0 in Week 6. The Magic also tied for the second-most wins in the NBA during this period, bolstered by the second-best defensive rating.

Thanks to Mosley’s strategic brilliance, he reenters the rankings for the first time since Week 1, landing at No. 5.

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#4. Mark Daigneault (Last week’s ranking: Unranked)

Mark Daigneault - Source: Imagn

Mark Daigneault’s OKC Thunder have faced a glut of injuries, starting the season without Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams. Since then, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe have also been sidelined.

Despite these setbacks, Daigneault has kept the Thunder competitive. His small-ball strategies have been crucial in offsetting their thin frontcourt, with Hartenstein returning to provide a steady presence at center in Holmgren’s absence. The Thunder went 3-1 in Week 6, with their lone loss coming at the end of a grueling four-game road trip against the Houston Rockets.

Through six weeks, the Thunder remain atop the Western Conference with the NBA's best defensive rating, earning Daigneault the No. 4 spot.

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#3. Joe Mazzulla (Last week’s ranking: #3)

Joe Mazzulla - Source: Imagn

Joe Mazzulla continues to impress as the Boston Celtics went 2-1 in Week 6, with their only loss coming against the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.

The return of Kristaps Porzingis has been a boost for the defending champions, as he showed little sign of rust.The Celtics remain in top-tier form six weeks in, boasting the second-best net rating in the league. Mazzulla’s system is firing on all cylinders, solidifying his spot at No. 3.

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#2. Kenny Atkinson (Last week’s ranking: #1)

Kenny Atkinson - Source: Imagn

For the first time since Week 2, Kenny Atkinson has fallen from the top spot. His Cleveland Cavaliers went 1-2 in Week 6, securing a win against the Celtics but dropping two games to the Atlanta Hawks.

While two losses in three games might warrant a steeper drop, Atkinson’s strong performance in prior weeks has kept him near the top. For now, he slides to No. 2, ceding the No. 1 position to a new contender.

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#1. Ime Udoka (Last week’s ranking: #5)

Ime Udoka - Source: Imagn

Welcome to the summit, Ime Udoka!

The Houston Rockets had a stellar Week 6, claiming victories over the OKC Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers. This strong performance has cemented the Rockets as the No. 2 seed in the West.

Udoka, in his second year with the Rockets, has been instrumental in crafting Houston’s defense, now ranked second-best in the NBA.

The team is 8-2 over their last 10 games and enters Week 7 riding a three-game win streak. This surge earns Udoka the top spot in this week’s NBA Coach of the Year rankings.