Phil Jackson Biography: Philip Douglas Jackson, born on September 17, 1945, is a former professional basketball player, legendary coach, and executive in the NBA. Renowned as one of the most successful figures in league history, Jackson is a 13-time NBA champion—winning two titles as a player and a record-setting 11 as a head coach.
Phil Jackson Biography
Phil Jackson is a former American professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the NBA, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the sport’s history. As a power forward, Jackson spent 12 seasons in the NBA and won two championships with the New York Knicks in 1970 and 1973. He later transitioned to coaching and became head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 1989 to 1998, guiding the team to six NBA titles.
Phil Jackson Biography 2025 Details
| orn | September 17, 1945 Deer Lodge, Montana, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Listed height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Listed weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| High school | Williston (Williston, North Dakota) |
| College | North Dakota (1964–1967) |
| NBA draft | 1967: 2nd round, 17th overall pick |
| Drafted by | New York Knicks |
| Playing career | 1967–1980 |
| Position | Power forward |
| Number | 18, 17 |
| Coaching career | 1978–2011 |
| Category | Football Biographies |
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About Phil Jackson
Philip Douglas Jackson is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association. Jackson is a 13-time NBA champion, having won two as a player and 11 as a head coach. His 11 championships as a head coach is the most in NBA history.
Phil Jackson Achievements
His unmatched coaching success earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, and he was named one of the NBA’s 10 greatest coaches in 1996. Jackson played three seasons of college basketball for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks (then known as the Fighting Sioux) before being selected in the 1967 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. He went on to win two championships with the Knicks during his playing career.
Phil Jackson Personal Life
He then led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships during two separate coaching stints from 1999 to 2004 and 2005 to 2011. With a total of 11 championships as a coach, Jackson holds the all-time NBA record, surpassing Red Auerbach’s previous mark of nine. Combined with his two titles as a player, Jackson owns 13 NBA championships—the most in league history by a single individual.
Phil Jackson Wiki
- Born: 17 September 1945 (age 79 years), Deer Lodge, Montana, United States
- Teams coached: Los Angeles Lakers (Head coach, 2005–2011) ·
- Career end: 1980
- Dates joined: 1978 (Brooklyn Nets), 1967 (New York Knicks)
- Spouse: June Jackson (m. 1974–2000), Maxine Jackson (m. 1967–1972)
- Children: Chelsea Jackson, Brooke Jackson, Charlie Jackson, Ben Jackson, Elizabeth Jackson
Early Life
Phil Jackson was born on September 17, 1945, in Deer Lodge, Montana, to Charles and Elisabeth Funk Jackson, both ministers in the Assemblies of God church. His mother, Elisabeth, was a former German Mennonite who converted to Pentecostalism. In the churches they served, Charles typically preached during Sunday morning services, while Elisabeth led the Sunday evening ones. Charles later advanced to become a ministerial supervisor.
Jackson grew up in a strict, rural household alongside his two brothers and half-sister, where television and dancing were prohibited. He didn’t see a movie until his senior year of high school and attended his first dance in college. Raised in such a disciplined religious environment, Jackson initially believed he would follow in his parents’ footsteps and become a minister. He attended high school in Williston, North Dakota, where he excelled in multiple sports. Jackson led the varsity basketball team to a state championship.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Philip Douglas Jackson
- Date of Birth: September 17, 1945
- Place of Birth: Deer Lodge, Montana, USA
- Nationality: American
- Marital Status: Single
- Net Worth: Estimated at $70 million
Family Background
Phil Jackson grew up in a conservative, religious household. Both of his parents, Charles and Elisabeth Funk Jackson, were ministers in the Assemblies of God church. Raised in Montana and later in North Dakota, Jackson and his siblings lived in a strict environment with little exposure to pop culture—no dancing, no television, and minimal entertainment. Despite these limitations, Jackson excelled in athletics during his time at Williston High School in North Dakota, participating in basketball, football, baseball, and track. His talent led to a scholarship at the University of North Dakota, where he developed under coach Bill Fitch.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Jackson began his NBA journey in 1967 when he was drafted by the New York Knicks. Known for his grit and basketball intelligence, he played a crucial supporting role in the Knicks’ championship victories in 1970 and 1973. After retiring as a player, Jackson began coaching in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) before joining the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach.
He became the team’s head coach in 1989, guiding them to six NBA championships in the 1990s thanks in part to his mastery of the Triangle Offense and ability to manage high-profile talent like Michael Jordan. He later coached the Los Angeles Lakers to five more championships between 2000 and 2010, working with stars such as Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. In total, Jackson’s 11 titles as a head coach remain the most in NBA history.
Notable Works and Achievements
- 2× NBA Champion (Player): 1970, 1973 (New York Knicks)
- 11× NBA Champion (Coach): 6 with the Bulls, 5 with the Lakers
- NBA Coach of the Year: 1996
- Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee: 2007
- Innovator of the Triangle Offense
- “Zen Master” Coaching Style: Infused coaching with mindfulness, Native American traditions, and Eastern philosophy
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
Since leaving his role as president of the New York Knicks in 2017, Jackson has mostly remained out of the public eye, living a quieter life in Montana. In a 2023 interview, he made headlines for stating that he no longer watches the NBA, criticizing the league for becoming “too political.”
Personal Life and Relationships
Jackson’s personal life includes two marriages and a high-profile engagement. His first marriage to Maxine ended in 1972, followed by a second marriage to June, with whom he had four children. After their divorce in 2000, Jackson entered a long-term relationship with Lakers executive Jeanie Buss, which ended in 2016. He has five children and is a grandfather to eight.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Nickname: “Zen Master” due to his spiritual coaching methods
- Author: Wrote Sacred Hoops and Eleven Rings, offering insight into his leadership style
- Music Fan: A longtime admirer of the Grateful Dead
- Cannabis Advocate: Has publicly supported marijuana legalization for medicinal purposes
- Pop Culture Icon: Frequently referenced in documentaries, interviews, and sports analysis
Charitable Work and Legacy
Jackson has long supported causes aligned with education, Native American rights, and youth development. He has contributed to basketball outreach programs and promoted mental health awareness, particularly for athletes. His legacy lies not only in championship rings but also in redefining what it means to lead a team—balancing toughness with emotional intelligence.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Although officially retired from coaching and front-office work, Phil Jackson continues to influence the NBA through his published works and mentorship. Many modern coaches credit him as a role model. His philosophies are often cited in discussions about leadership, teamwork, and holistic coaching. Beyond sports, Jackson remains a symbol of thoughtful leadership, blending tactical genius with personal growth. His legacy as both a champion and philosopher ensures his enduring place in basketball and cultural
Phil Jackson Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Phil Jackson’s net worth is estimated at $70 million, largely built from his coaching salaries, executive roles, and book sales. At his peak with the Lakers, he earned up to $10 million annually. His tenure with the Knicks also added significantly to his wealth. Jackson owns real estate in Montana, Los Angeles, and formerly in Manhattan, and leads a relatively low-profile, private lifestyle focused on nature and introspection.
FAQs
How much did Phil Jackson make?
On March 18, he was introduced as the president of the Knicks after signing a five-year, $70 million contract.
What is Phil Jackson doing now?
Phil Jackson is the NBA’s career leader in playoff victories and playoff winning percentage; he has won nine NBA titles, tying Red Auerbach for the most in a lifetime. He currently resides in Los Angeles, where he is the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Where does Phil Jackson currently live?
He is the first person to win championships as a head coach in both the NBA and CBA. Engaged to Lakers President Jeanie Buss, Jackson currently resides in Playa del Rey and spends his summers in Montana.
Why is Phil Jackson so successful?
Jackson is known for his use of Tex Winter’s triangle offense as well as a holistic approach to coaching that was influenced by Eastern philosophy. His nickname was “Zen Master.” He also used Native American spiritual practices to help his team. He is the author of several books about basketball.
Why did Phil Jackson retire?
Jackson retired from coaching in 2011 due to health reasons. He remains the most successful coach in NBA history with 11 championship rings.
What was Phil Jackson’s famous quote?
The most we can hope for is to create the best possible conditions for success, then let go of the outcome.