What’s Going on with the EuroLeague Coaches?

This week has been historic for the EuroLeague, with the surprising resignation of two of the most legendary coaches in the competition: Ettore Messina of Armani Milan, Zeljko Obradovic of Partizan, and this morning, Igor Kokoskov parts ways with Anadolu Efes. Three names that represent decades of success, wisdom, and achievements in European basketball. What is happening in elite European basketball that makes coaches of this caliber decide to step down in such a short time?

The Growing Pressure on the Bench

In recent years, there has been much talk about the evolution of basketball and the impact of the new generation of players. Today, it’s not enough to be a great strategist or an expert in tactics; being a coach means dealing with egos, complex personalities, and often managing locker room conflicts. Players are no longer just athletes, but living brands, influencers, and this is reflected in their attitudes both on and off the court.

This phenomenon is not exclusive to the NBA, but in Europe, it’s taking on an interesting dimension. While in the past the coach's figure was almost reverently respected as a leader, now many players seem to view the coach more as a facilitator or a "manager" who must adapt to their psychological and emotional needs, rather than a commander who makes firm decisions and demands discipline.

The Coaches’ Words

Zeljko Obradovic, a coach known for his intensity and ability to motivate players over the years, decided to resign from Partizan after a negative streak of results. Seven losses in eight games and some internal issues in the locker room, particularly with Jabari Parker, who has failed to meet expectations, seem to have been the last straw. In his statement after the defeat to ASVEL, Obradovic expressed his frustration:"I entered the locker room and all my players were on their phones."

This gesture of disconnection reflects the growing disenchantment of the coach with a generation of players more focused on their social media than the team. According to Obradovic, the lack of focus and commitment in the locker room was key to his decision.

Ettore Messina, for his part, also explained the reasons behind his departure from Armani Milan. In a statement, the Italian coach expressed:"I realized that I had become — and still am — a source of division and, consequently, a distraction. Even though I was committed to doing my job as best as possible, any circumstance became an opportunity to call for a referendum for or against. For this reason (and only this), I decided to eliminate a situation that had become a source of great tension for me and a detriment to the team and the club."

Messina continues by stating that his decision has "one single purpose: to foster a moment of unity, creating the conditions for everyone to come together as a team."

Lack of Respect or Failure to Adapt?

Are we witnessing a lack of respect for legendary coaches like Messina and Obradovic? Or is there a generational gap in which more traditional coaches can’t adapt to the new era and players who come with a more individualistic profile?

The influence of social media has played a key role in this transformation. Today, players don’t just communicate through traditional media or within the locker room; their opinions, emotions, and frustrations are shared in real-time with millions of people. This gives immense power to figures who, in the past, were more discreet. Coaches no longer just have to motivate their players, but also manage their public image and maintain balance in an increasingly volatile environment.

Are We Becoming Like the NBA?

It’s inevitable to wonder if what we’re seeing in Europe is pushing basketball into a similar dynamic to the NBA. In the American league, we’ve seen how coaches are sometimes displaced by the demands of star players, and how tactical and strategic decisions can take a back seat to the power of egos. In Europe, while cultural and structural differences are notable, it seems that the prominence of players is gaining ground.

What Does the Future Hold?

The resignation of legendary coaches not only creates uncertainty about the immediate future of their respective teams but also opens a deeper debate about the evolution of professional basketball in Europe. If figures like Messina and Obradovic, with their vast experience, are forced to step aside, what does this mean for future generations of coaches and players?

The question arises: what kind of coach do we need in today’s basketball? Someone who can balance tactical demands with the psychological management of increasingly complex players? Or are we heading into a new era where coaches become just cogs in the machine, subordinated to the will of the players?

At FIBA Basketball, we follow players and coaches with equal devotion, but when great figures of European basketball step down, the future seems a bit more uncertain. If in just a few days we’ve lost two of the greatest coaches, what does the future hold for the teams who now have to fill those voids?