Hall of Famer Reggie Miller reveals why he will never coach in the NBA

Reggie Miller is widely regarded as the greatest player in Indiana Pacers history. He spent his entire 18-year professional career with the franchise, leading them to the 2000 NBA Finals and amassing numerous individual accolades along the way.

Despite his on-court success, Miller recently told Sports Illustrated that he has no interest in becoming an NBA coach, citing a lack of patience and the temperament required for such a demanding role.

“No. I don’t think I have the temperament or the patience to coach. I don’t have the patience. I know I probably could, but I would have to invest too much in it—much like how I invest a lot in my two passions now, being an analyst and cycling. If you’re going to do it, you have to go all in. I don’t know if I have that kind of patience,” Miller said.

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Miller isn’t alone in this mindset. Other NBA legends have also dismissed the idea of coaching despite their brilliance on the court. Michael Jordan revealed he wouldn’t pursue coaching because he wouldn’t be happy with the lack of focus among today’s players, while Gary Payton admitted he wouldn’t coach because he might physically confront players.

“He’s laid the groundwork, and I’m just trying to get to that level.”

Tyrese Haliburton responded to head coach Rick Carlisle comparing him to Pacers legend Reggie Miller after his clutch performance in the Game 5 OT win. pic.twitter.com/RA0wE9L2mC

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Since retiring in 2005, Miller has transitioned to a successful career as an NBA analyst while also embracing cycling—a passion he discovered even during his playing days.

“Cycling helps me maintain that competitive balance. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever feel those butterflies or that itch again—the kind you get at jump ball. Basketball gave me that love, but I found it again on two wheels. The ‘three, two, one’ and the gun goes off? I still get those butterflies. Cycling has helped me fill that void and get my basketball jones back,” he explained.

Miller also shared the challenge of balancing his passion for cycling with family life. “I wish I could train more because I’m a family man with three young kids. Serious cycling can take you away for three, four, even five hours, and I want to be a present dad. Finding time to ride and race is sometimes a juggling act.”

Selected by the Indiana Pacers as the 11th overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft, Miller remains one of the best players in league history never to win an NBA championship. He earned five NBA All-Star nominations, and the Pacers retired his No. 31 jersey in recognition of his tremendous contributions.

While Miller is held in high esteem—especially for his iconic three-point shooting—it is unlikely we’ll ever see him as an NBA head coach. Nevertheless, he continues to be highly respected by younger generations and fans alike.

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