The Coach of the Year award in the NBA often hinges on narrative rather than pure performance metrics. Mike Brown's contrasting experiences in consecutive seasons with the Sacramento Kings illustrate this trend, as he went from a unanimous winner to receiving no votes despite similar results.

The criteria for this award typically favor coaches who lead unexpected teams to success or those who achieve historic win totals. Candidates for the upcoming season include Joe Mazzulla, Mark Daigneault, and Nick Nurse, among others, each with their own narratives shaping their chances.

Longer shots like Mike Budenholzer, Rick Carlisle, and Kenny Atkinson present intriguing possibilities, especially if their teams exceed expectations. The dynamics of coaching narratives and team performance will play a crucial role in determining the next Coach of the Year.