NBA: Top 5 Coach of the Year Candidates Entering 2015-16

Apr 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Former Atlanta Hawks coaches

(right) and Mike Fratello (left) honor current Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer (center) with the 2014-15 NBA Coach of the Year Award prior to game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

With the NBA season officially tipping off this week, we take a look at five Coach of the Year candidates 

As the opening of a new NBA season dawns on us, a number of coaches are hard at work making last minute preparations for their early season opponents. It’s often forgotten, but the man on the sidelines wearing a suit is just as important as anyone on the floor with a number on their back.

Sketching out plays on clip board, talking to his players before they venture out onto the floor, and turning red with rage at the calls made by league officials; the coaches might take a backseat to the players in the way of superstardom, but they’re the brains behind the brawn we get to witness on the courts of the NBA.

This year we see some familiar faces along the sidelines, and in other places new ones have taken over. As we comb through the coaches in the league, we’re able to find those who are in line to make a legitimate run at the Coach of the Year Award.

So with out further ado, let’s take a gander at the top candidates prior to opening day.

Next: Honorable Mentions