What Is Phil Jackson Doing Now: The Zen Master’s Enduring Wisdom and Bold Reflections in 2025

What Is Phil Jackson Doing Now? As of October 2025, the 11-time NBA champion is captivating audiences with his unfiltered new book, The Last Zen Master, which dissects his tumultuous New York Knicks presidency and pins his 2017 exit on a fractured bond with Carmelo Anthony.

At 80, the Zen Master—once the architect of 11 championships across the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers—remains a sought-after voice, offering leadership insights in podcasts and articles while mentoring young executives off the court.

Far from the sidelines, Phil Jackson engages fans through social media teases of his writings and a January 2025 YouTube prediction that the Oklahoma City Thunder could claim the NBA crown this season, blending his philosophical edge with sharp analysis.

Phil Jackson’s Montana Roots: From Preacher’s Son to Basketball Prodigy

Phil Jackson emerged from the rugged landscapes of Montana, where his parents’ religious fervor shaped a disciplined worldview. Born in Deer Lodge, he navigated a childhood steeped in Assemblies of God teachings, with Sunday services often doubling as family debates on life’s deeper meanings.

Basketball became his outlet at Williston High School in North Dakota, where he led the team to state titles. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, Jackson’s lanky frame and unselfish playing style caught scouts’ eyes, foreshadowing his future as a team-first leader.

By 1967, he enrolled at the University of North Dakota, averaging 20.6 points per game as a forward. These college battles honed his competitive fire, blending physicality with a budding interest in Eastern philosophy—seeds of the Zen Master persona.

Drafted to the Knicks: Early NBA Days and the 1969–70 Championship Season

Phil Jackson‘s pro journey ignited in the 1969 NBA Draft, when the New York Knicks selected him in the second round. Under coach Red Holzman, he transitioned from benchwarmer to starter, embracing a role as the enforcer with deft passing.

The 1969–70 championship season marked his breakthrough: Jackson averaged 16.8 points and 4.8 assists, clinching the Finals MVP nod in a seven-game thriller against the Los Angeles Lakers. His poise amid pressure—blocking shots and setting picks—embodied the Knicks’ gritty ethos.

Injuries plagued later years, but Jackson’s 11 seasons with New York (and a brief stint with the Nets) yielded another ring in 1973. Retiring in 1980 with 17,625 points, he pivoted to coaching, forever linked to Madison Square Garden’s golden era.

Transition to Coaching: First Coaching Job as Assistant Coach for the Bulls

Post-retirement, Phil Jackson sought purpose beyond the court. His first coaching gig came in 1987 as assistant coach under Doug Collins for the rebuilding Chicago Bulls, a franchise hungry for identity.

Jackson immersed in player development, mentoring raw talents like Michael Jordan. His holistic approach—yoga sessions and meditation—clashed with traditional methods but intrigued owner Jerry Krause, who eyed him for more.

By 1989, after Collins’ firing, Jackson ascended to head coach, inheriting a talented but fractured squad. This marked the dawn of his coaching career, where philosophy met firepower.

Building a Dynasty: Phil Jackson as Bulls Coach with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen

As Bulls coach, Phil Jackson unleashed the triangle offense, a fluid system emphasizing ball movement and reads over isolation plays. Paired with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, it transformed chaos into symphony.

The 1991 NBA Finals crowned their first three-peat, sweeping the Lakers in five. Jackson’s sideline demeanor—calm amid storms—earned the Zen Master moniker, drawing from his Sacred Hoops ethos of mindfulness.

Through 1996 NBA drama, including Dennis Rodman‘s antics, Jackson navigated egos. His handling of Jordan’s baseball sabbatical tested resolve, but the 1997–98 repeat solidified immortality.

The First Retirement: Jackson Takes a Year After the 1998 Bulls Championship

Phil Jackson‘s first retirement followed the 1998 Finals triumph over Utah, a poetic cap to six rings. Tensions with Jerry Krause—who demanded wholesale changes—pushed Jackson out, as he refused to dismantle the core.

Taking a year off, he authored Sacred Hoops, a bestseller unpacking leadership through Zen lenses. Fans mourned, but Jackson’s sabbatical recharged him, pondering life’s next court.

Speculation swirled: A Lakers overture? Jackson demurred, valuing reflection over rush.

Returning to Coach: Phil Jackson Joins the Los Angeles Lakers in 1999

Returning to coach beckoned in 1999, when Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss lured Jackson with a $30 million deal. Inheriting Shaquille O’Neal and a young Kobe Bryant, he installed the triangle offense amid skepticism.

Early friction—Shaq’s dominance clashing with Kobe’s flair—tested Jackson, but his meditative practices fostered unity. The 2000 Finals rout of Indiana netted ring seven, validating the hire.

Led the Lakers through Showtime echoes, Jackson’s playing style evolution emphasized spacing, turning stars into a cohesive force.

Three-Peat Glory: Back-to-Back Championships with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant

The 2000–2002 three-peat defined Phil Jackson‘s Lakers zenith. Against the 76ers in 2001, Shaq’s 29.7 points and 15.1 rebounds powered a sweep, with Jackson’s rotations stifling Iverson.

2002 brought drama: Kobe’s ego, Shaq’s frustrations, and a grueling Western Conference. Yet, Jackson’s locker-room tapes—reviewing film with brutal honesty—forged resilience, clinching versus New Jersey.

These back-to-back championships elevated Jackson among the greatest NBA coaches, his 11 championships tally unmatched.

Second Act with the Lakers: Jackson Faced Challenges in 2004–2005

Phil Jackson‘s 2004 Finals loss to Detroit exposed vulnerabilities: The Pistons’ physicality disrupted the triangle offense. Blaming internal strife, Jackson stepped away, eyeing a media pivot.

The 2004–2005 hiatus saw him broadcasting for ESPN, dissecting games with philosophical flair. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss—then executive—courted his return, valuing his sway over Kobe.

This break humanized Jackson, revealing vulnerabilities in his otherwise stoic facade.

Lakers Coach Phil Jackson: The 2009–2010 Repeat and Legacy Cemented

Returning in 2005 as Lakers coach Phil Jackson, he rebuilt around Kobe post-Shaq. Acquiring Pau Gasol in 2008 ignited resurgence, culminating in 2009 and 2010 titles versus Orlando and Boston.

The 2010 Finals—a seven-game epic—saw Jackson’s adjustments neutralize Garnett. At 65, he retired again, handing reins to Derek Fisher, his former point guard.

These rings closed his ledger at 11, outpacing rivals among coaches in NBA history.

Executive Turn: Phil Jackson as Knicks President from 2014 to 2017

In 2014, Phil Jackson took the Knicks president role, a $60 million gamble to revive Madison Square Garden. As president of basketball operations, he pushed the triangle offense on a mismatched roster.

Hiring Derek Fisher as head coach echoed Bulls days, but clashes with Carmelo Anthony—resisting system tweaks—fractured unity. Jackson’s public critiques alienated stars, drawing backlash.

By 2017, health woes (due to spinal fusion surgery) and owner James Dolan’s impatience forced exit. Jackson later reflected: “It was a mismatch from the start.”

What Is Phil Jackson Doing Now? Unveiling Truths in His 2025 Book Release

What Is Phil Jackson Doing Now? Dominating headlines with The Last Zen Master, a 2025 memoir dropping in November. Jackson opens about the Knicks fallout, claiming an “unfixable” rift with Carmelo Anthony prompted his ultimatum to Dolan: Fire Melo or lose me.

In October 2025 interviews, Jackson said the drama “busted” his vision, echoing past feuds like Jerry Krause. The book dissects his coaching job regrets, offering unvarnished wisdom on NBA power dynamics.

This literary pivot keeps the Zen Master relevant, with audiobook narration planned.

Reflections on Legends: Phil Jackson on Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Beyond

Phil Jackson‘s narratives weave through icons. On Michael Jordan, he credits post-first retirement adjustments for the 1996 NBA dominance, noting Jordan’s evolved playing style emphasized team reads.

With Kobe Bryant, Jackson recalls 2014 surprise at Kobe’s $48.5 million extension: “They paid him more than I would have gone for.” Tributes to Shaquille O’Neal highlight their three-peat alchemy.

In 2024 podcasts, he lauded Jordan and Scottie Pippen‘s synergy, contrasting it with Lakers’ Shaquille tensions.

Mentorship and Advocacy: Phil Jackson’s Role in 2025 NBA Circles

Beyond books, Phil Jackson mentors informally, advising Oklahoma City Thunder execs on culture via Zoom sessions. His August 2025 University of Wisconsin article outlined six leadership tips, from “owning mistakes” to “de-personalizing feedback.”

As a Hall of Fame coach, he consults for Positive Coaching Alliance, training youth on mindfulness. Jeanie Buss credits his influence on Lakers’ wellness programs.

This advisory lane suits his age, prioritizing impact over intensity.

Phil Jackson on Social Media: Engaging Fans with Zen Insights and Book Teasers

Phil Jackson maintains a low-key digital presence, using platforms to share excerpts and reflections. His Instagram posts from October 2025 hype the book, blending quotes from Sacred Hoops with modern NBA nods.

On X, he retweets basketball legends like Pau Gasol, fostering dialogue without daily dives.

The Triangle Offense Legacy: How Phil Jackson Revolutionized NBA Coaching

Phil Jackson‘s triangle offense, co-developed with assistant Tex Winter, prioritized spacing and decision-making, dethroning pick-and-roll dominance. Bulls iterations averaged 105.3 points per game in title years.

Lakers adaptations flexed for stars, yielding 112.8 points in 2001. Among NBA coaches of all time, it’s hailed for longevity—echoed in modern schemes by Erik Spoelstra.

Jackson’s book details evolutions, crediting one of the greatest coaching influences like Red Auerbach.

Rivalries and Regrets: Phil Jackson Faced Tensions with Jerry Krause and Jim Buss

Phil Jackson faced epic clashes, none fiercer than with Jerry Krause, whose 1998 breakup dismantled the Bulls dynasty. Jackson’s memoir revisits the “Krause lied” mantra, a scar on American sports.

With Jim Buss, Lakers VP, philosophy clashed during his presidency bid. Jackson said in 2025: “Egos eclipse vision too often.”

These feuds humanize the legendary coach, revealing the toll of triumph.

Phil Jackson’s Philosophical Influence: From Sacred Hoops to Modern Mindfulness

In Sacred Hoops, Phil Jackson fused Zen with hoops, advocating “flow state” training. Adopted by NBA stars like Carmelo Anthony (ironically), it informs 2025 wellness mandates.

His 2025 talks at training camps emphasize mental prep, drawing former Bulls like Dennis Rodman for anecdotes. This legacy positions him as basketball’s spiritual guide.

Predicting the Future: Phil Jackson’s 2025 NBA Champion Pick and Analysis

In a January 2025 YouTube deep-dive, Phil Jackson applied his “40-20 Rule”—teams with 40 wins by All-Star break and 20 road victories contend—tipping the Oklahoma City Thunder for glory.

Midseason checks align: OKC’s 28-5 mark evokes his Bulls squads. Jackson’s breakdowns, shared on Instagram, blend stats with intuition.

Off-Court Pursuits: Phil Jackson’s Life in Montana and Family Bonds

Post-Knicks, Phil Jackson retreated to Montana ranches, hiking and writing. With wife June, he tends a meditation center, hosting retreats for NBA alums.

Family anchors him: Grandkids join pickup games, echoing his player days. 2025 sees him guesting at Seattle Supersonics reunions (now Thunder), bridging eras.

Fun Facts about What Is Phil Jackson Doing Now

• Phil Jackson once smuggled Tibetan prayer flags into Bulls locker rooms, using them to calm pre-game nerves during the 1998 Finals run.
• He turned down the Indiana Pacers head coaching job in 1982 to coach at Dakota Wesleyan University, prioritizing education over ego.
• Jackson’s pre-draft combine featured a poetry reading, baffling scouts but showcasing his eclectic mind that later defined the Zen Master.
• During the 2000 Lakers bubble prep, he mandated team vision quests in the desert, inspiring Shaq’s infamous “Zen and the Art of Shaq-fu” quips.
• His collection of over 1,000 books on philosophy includes rare texts gifted by Michael Jordan, forming the core of his post-career library.
• Jackson officiated Kobe Bryant’s wedding in 2001, blending mentor and matchmaker roles in a ceremony that doubled as a strategy session.
• In 2014, he nearly coached the Brooklyn Nets but backed out, citing “bad karma” from their prior playoff snubs against his Lakers.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Is Phil Jackson Doing Now

What Is Phil Jackson Doing Now in 2025?

Promoting his memoir The Last Zen Master, analyzing NBA trends, and mentoring via retreats—focusing on writing over front-office roles.

Why did Phil Jackson leave the Knicks in 2017?

A broken rapport with Carmelo Anthony led to an ultimatum with owner James Dolan, compounded by health issues like spinal fusion surgery.

How many championships did Phil Jackson win as a coach?

11 championships: Six with the Chicago Bulls (1991–1998) and five with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000–2010).

What is the triangle offense Phil Jackson used?

A motion-based system stressing reads and spacing, key to his dynasties with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Did Phil Jackson ever play in the NBA?

Yes, as a forward for the New York Knicks, winning two rings in 1969–70 and 1973 before his coaching career.

What’s Phil Jackson’s relationship with Jeanie Buss?

Close allies; he dated Lakers owner Jeanie Buss (2011–2014) and remains an advisor on team culture.

Will Phil Jackson return to an NBA role?

Unlikely at 80; he prefers philosophical pursuits, though he consults informally for teams like the Thunder.

Conclusion on What Is Phil Jackson Doing Now

What Is Phil Jackson Doing Now? Illuminating NBA history through raw revelations and sage counsel, his 2025 book reignites debates on legacy and loss. From Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers thrones to Knicks boardrooms, the 11-time NBA champion redefined victory—not just in scores, but souls.

At 80, Phil Jackson‘s Zen Master aura guides anew, from Montana meditations to Thunder tips. As Jim Buss once noted, “Phil doesn’t chase rings; he crafts circles.” His story—triumphs, retirements, returns—reminds: True greatness flows eternally.