CLIP: What It Takes to Be a Good NBA Head Coach in 2026

What makes an NBA head coach effective in 2026? This episode of RealGM Radio breaks down the expanding demands of the job, including tactical innovation, player relationships, staff management, media communication, and collaboration with the front office. Wes Goldberg, Mo Dakhil, Jared Dubin and Mike Shearer explore how coaches create accountability without losing the locker room, adapt schemes during the regular season and playoffs, and develop role players around stars. The discussion also covers workload management, data-driven decision-making, assistant coach specialization, and the challenge of leading across generations. In a league defined by constant change, which qualities help coaches earn trust, survive pressure, and consistently produce lasting results?   RealGM Radio is your top spot for the best weekly NBA coverage. Subscribe to get RealGM Radio with Wes Goldberg, the Double Dribble and Good Take every week.   Monday: Double Dribble with Jared Dubin and Mo Dakhil Tuesday: RealGM Radio with Wes Goldberg Wednesday: Double Dribble with Jared Dubin and Mo Dakhil Thursday: Good Take with Wes Goldberg and Mike Shearer   Subscribe to watch more RealGM Radio videos: youtube.com/@realgmradio   FOLLOW REALGM ON SOCIAL RealGM on X/Twitter https://x.com/RealGM RealGM on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/realgmnba/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.