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Behind the CoachingHonoring the Impact of Sports Coaching
Coach Profile

Bob Cousy

Bob Cousy

Six-Time NBA Champion as Player | Cincinnati Royals and Kansas City-Omaha Kings Head Coach | Hall of Fame Guard

Bob Cousy was born on August 9, 1928, in New York City. The longtime Boston Celtics guard was a six-time NBA champion, the 1957 NBA Most Valuable Player and one of basketball’s most influential early playmakers.

After his playing career, Cousy coached at Boston College before returning to the NBA as head coach of the Cincinnati Royals in 1969. During his first season, he also briefly returned to the court as a player.

Cousy remained with the franchise as it relocated and became the Kansas City-Omaha Kings in 1972. His five-season NBA head-coaching career ended in November 1973 with a 141-207 regular-season record.

His Basketball Hall of Fame induction as a player came in 1971.

  • Overall Coaching Record: 141-207

Coaching Career

The Royals hired Cousy in May 1969. He coached Oscar Robertson and Jerry Lucas in 1969-1970, when Cincinnati finished 36-46.

Robertson moved to Milwaukee after that season. Cousy oversaw the emergence of guard Nate “Tiny” Archibald and center Sam Lacey as Cincinnati finished 33-49 in 1970-1971 and 30-52 in 1971-1972.

Cousy’s Cincinnati head-coaching record was 99-147 over three 82-game seasons, with no playoff appearances.

Notable Players Coached

When the Royals franchise moved and was renamed the Kansas City-Omaha Kings in 1972, Cousy stayed on as head coach.

The Kings went 36-46 in 1972-1973, a season in which Archibald led the NBA in both points per game and assists per game.

Cousy began 1973-1974 at 6-14, then resigned in November 1973. His Kansas City-Omaha mark was 42-60, making his combined NBA record 141-207.

Notable Players Coached