Phil Jackson Biography: Wife, Parents, Salary, Age, Net Worth, Basketball Team, Siblings, Awards

Philip Douglas Jackson, an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive, is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the NBA.

He played 12 seasons in the NBA as a power forward, winning championships with the New York Knicks in 1970 and 1973.

Transitioning to coaching, Jackson led the Chicago Bulls from 1989 to 1998, securing six NBA championships.

He later coached the Los Angeles Lakers from 1999 to 2004 and again from 2005 to 2011, guiding the team to five league titles.

Profile

• Full Name: Philip Douglas Jackson
• Stage Name: Phil Jackson
• Born: September 17, 1945
• Age: 79 years old
• Birthplace: Deer Lodge, Montana, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive
• Height: 2.03 m
• Parent: Charles Jackson ,Elisabeth Funk Jackson
• Siblings: Chuck Jackson
• Spouse: June Jackson (m. 1974–2000), Maxine Jackson (m. 1967–1972)
• Children: Elizabeth Jackson, Ben Jackson, Charlie Jackson, Chelsea Jackson, Brooke Jackson.
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $70 million

Early Life And Education

Philip Douglas Jackson, widely known as Phil Jackson, was born on September 17, 1945, in Deer Lodge, Montana, United States.

His parents, Charles and Elisabeth Funk Jackson, ministers in the Assemblies of God Church, raised him in a devout household.

Elisabeth, originally of German Mennonite heritage, converted to Christianity and became a significant spiritual influence in Jackson’s upbringing. He grew up alongside his brother, Chuck Jackson, in a family where faith and discipline played central roles.

Jackson attended Williston High School in North Dakota, where his basketball talent quickly became evident.

He led his high school team to a state championship, showcasing his skill and leadership. His success earned him a spot at the University of North Dakota, where he played for the Fighting Sioux basketball team under coach Bill Fitch.

Jackson excelled in college, earning consecutive All-American honours and helping his team achieve strong finishes in the NCAA Division II tournament.

After graduating in 1967, Jackson pursued a professional basketball career and was drafted by the New York Knicks.

His collegiate and professional achievements were later recognized by the University of North Dakota, which awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2008.

Phil Jackson is of mixed ethnicity, with his father being of German descent and his mother of English ancestry. He practices Christianity as his religion.

Career

Phil Jackson began his career as a forward for the New York Knicks after being drafted in 1967.

Known for his defensive prowess rather than offensive contributions, he played 12 NBA seasons and helped the Knicks secure championships in 1970 and 1973.

Before his professional career, Jackson shone at the University of North Dakota, where he played under coach Bill Fitch and helped his team achieve strong finishes in the NCAA Division II tournaments.

His collegiate matchups included future Knicks teammate Walt Frazier, solidifying his reputation as a determined and skilful player

After retiring as a player, Jackson transitioned to coaching, finding early success with the Albany Patroons in the Continental Basketball Association, where he won a championship in 1985.

His NBA coaching journey began with the Chicago Bulls in 1987 as an assistant coach, and by 1989, he was promoted to head coach.

Over nine seasons, Jackson led the Bulls to six NBA championships, highlighted by two “three-peat” runs from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998.

His implementation of Tex Winter’s triangle offence and a holistic coaching style, deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy, earned him the nickname “Zen Master.”

Jackson’s coaching success continued with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he took over in 1999. He guided the team to a 67-15 record and a championship in 2000 in his first season.

With stars like Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, Jackson led the Lakers to two more titles in 2001 and 2002, marking his third career “three-peat.”

His ability to manage superstar egos and instil a team-first mentality was instrumental in maintaining the Lakers’ dominance during this period.

Beyond his coaching accomplishments, Jackson is also an accomplished author, sharing insights into his basketball philosophy and personal growth through books like Sacred Hoops.

His unique approach blended basketball strategy with spiritual principles, incorporating Native American practices and inspiration from works like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

His innovative methods and success led to his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and recognition as one of the NBA’s 10 greatest coaches during its 50th-anniversary celebrations.

Jackson retired from coaching in 2011, capping a career with 11 NBA championships as a head coach—the most in league history.

He later served as an executive for the New York Knicks from 2014 to 2017, though his tenure there was less successful.

Despite this, his legacy as one of basketball’s most remarkable minds endures, and he is celebrated for his ability to inspire, innovate, and dominate at the highest levels of the sport.

Awards and Nominations

• NBA Championships: 11 titles (1991-1993, 1996-1998 with the Chicago Bulls; 2000-2002, 2009-2010 with the Los Angeles Lakers).
• NBA Coach of the Year: 1996.
• CBA Coach of the Year: 1985.
• NBA All-Star Game Head Coach: 4 times (1992, 1996, 2000, 2009).
• Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee: 2007.
• Amos Alonzo Stagg Coaching Award: 2002, 2010.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @phil.jackson_11
• Twitter handle: @PhilJackson11

Personal Life

Phil Jackson has been married twice and is a father to five children. His first marriage was to Maxine McNair from 1967 to 1972, and they had one daughter, Elizabeth.

In 1974, he married June Perry, with whom he had four children: Ben, Charlie, Chelsea, and Brooke. The couple divorced in 2000 after 26 years of marriage.

In addition to his marriages, Jackson had a long-term relationship with Jeanie Buss, the president of the Los Angeles Lakers, from 1999 to 2016.

The pair were engaged for four years but ended their relationship due to geographic and professional challenges.

Net Worth

The iconic NBA coach and former player Phil Jackson has an estimated net worth of $70 million.

His wealth comes from a stellar basketball career, including coaching the Chicago Bulls to six championships and the Los Angeles Lakers to five.

He also earned substantial income as president of the New York Knicks and through strategic real estate investments, further boosting his financial portfolio.