Del Harris
Following on from the perfect coaching apprenticeship in Milwaukee under Don Nelson, Del Harris got his second job as a head coach as Nellie’s successor in the Cream City in 1987.
Harris did a great job of carrying on where his mentor left off too. Under Harris, the Bucks never failed to make the playoffs, and he racked up a 55 percent win rate as the head coach in Milwaukee.
Harris achieved that success while juggling multiple positions within the organization also, as significant personnel responsibility also fell in his lap as the team’s Vice President of Basketball Operations.
The problem for Harris was that the post-season was never that kind to him. A 6-15 record in the playoffs for his four full seasons with the Bucks ultimately led to Harris resigning at the beginning of his fifth season though.
Harris proved his worth as a coach both before and after his time in Milwaukee with both the Rockets and Lakers, and in spite of his post-season failings his success with the Bucks shouldn’t go unrecognized.
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