NBA Coach of the Year (COY) rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 5 ft. Joe Mazzulla 

The NBA no longer has any undefeated teams, as the Boston Celtics secured a dramatic 120-117 win over the previously unbeaten Cleveland Cavaliers during Week 5.

Despite their first loss, the Cavaliers still hold the top spot in the league standings. Meanwhile, other teams are finding their stride and climbing the ranks.

Here’s a look at the coaches making the strongest cases for Coach of the Year honors after Week 5.

Top 5 NBA Coach of the Year candidates after Week 5

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#5. Ime Udoka (Last week’s ranking: No. 4)

Ime Udoka - Source: Imagn

Ime Udoka has revitalized the Houston Rockets, turning them into one of the hottest teams in the league with seven wins in their last 10 games. In Week 5, Houston boasted the third-best defensive rating (98.1), compensating for an offense that remains in the bottom 10. Udoka’s system has helped young talents like Tari Eason and Amen Thompson thrive as complementary pieces to the team’s veteran core.

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#4. Tyronn Lue (Last week’s ranking: Unranked)

Tyronn Lue - Source: Imagn

Each season seems to bring a team that defies expectations and refuses to fold under adversity. This year, through Week 5, it’s been Tyronn Lue’s LA Clippers.

Despite losing Paul George in the offseason and dealing with Kawhi Leonard’s injury, the Clippers have climbed to fifth in the Western Conference, just two games behind the conference leader.

Known for guiding underdog teams, Lue has worked his magic again, leading the Clippers to five straight wins. They’re currently ranked 10th in net rating and had the fifth-best defense in Week 5.

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#3. Steve Kerr (Last week’s ranking: No. 2)

Steve Kerr - Source: Imagn

Steve Kerr’s Golden State Warriors continue to impress despite a challenging Week 5 that included a narrow loss to the Clippers and an upset defeat to the San Antonio Spurs. The Warriors still rank fifth in the NBA in net rating and fourth in defensive rating.

However, the road ahead looks daunting. After facing the Brooklyn Nets, 12 of their next 15 games will be against teams that made the playoffs last season.

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#2. Joe Mazzulla (Last week’s ranking: No. 3)

NBA: Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics - Source: Imagn

Joe Mazzulla’s Boston Celtics handed the Cavaliers their first loss of the season during a perfect 3-0 week. In a tightly contested matchup, the Celtics held off a late Cleveland rally to seal the win. In addition to that victory, Boston also notched dominant wins against the Washington Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Five weeks in, the Celtics remain in championship form with the third-best net rating. Mazzulla’s system continues to deliver.

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#1. Kenny Atkinson (Last week’s ranking: No. 1)

Kenny Atkinson - Source: Imagn

A single loss hasn’t knocked Kenny Atkinson from the top spot. The Cavaliers still hold the league’s best net rating, powered by the most efficient offense in the NBA.Atkinson’s influence is evident in how Cleveland has maintained their intensity and grit, even while dealing with injuries.

For the fourth consecutive week, Atkinson sits atop the Coach of the Year rankings.