"Frequently yelling at them when they made mistakes" - Phil Jackson on how Doug Collins often made Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant nervous

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During his time as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls, Phil Jackson noticed that Doug Collins' coaching style negatively affected some of his key players, such as Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant. Based on what Jackson had observed, Collins had a habit of relentlessly calling out Pippen and Grant for their mistakes and shortcomings.

Phil reckoned that Coach Collins's constant criticism eventually took a toll on Pip and Grant's confidence as players. In his book Sacred Hoops, Jackson wrote that he could tell Collins often made Pippen and Grant nervous and uneasy during games.

"At the core of my vision was getting the players to think more for themselves. Collins had kept the younger players, especially Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, on a tight rein, frequently yelling at them when they made mistakes," Jackson divulged. "Throughout the game, they'd look over at the bench, nervously trying to read his mind."

Phil used an opposite approach

In the summer of 1989, Jackson succeeded Collins as part of the Bulls' revamping. Unlike Doug, Phil chose a different approach to managing the Bulls. By contrast, Jackson became known for his unique coaching style, which emphasized building confidence in his players. One of the most striking aspects of his approach was his refusal to scold his players, opting instead to focus on positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.

As a Zen Buddhism practitioner, Jackson believed that by avoiding harsh criticism, he could create an environment where his players felt empowered to take risks and grow as athletes. In the process, Pippen, Grant and the rest of the Bulls squad were able to build chemistry, while also showcasing their individual skills.

Under Jackson's guidance, Pippen morphed into an All-Star and formidable co-star for Michael Jordan. On the other hand, Horace became more productive on the floor, averaging double digits in points and rebounds from 1991-94.

Phil turned the Bulls into a dynasty

By fostering a culture of trust and support, Jackson allowed his players to develop their skills and confidence on the court. He understood that confidence was a key performance factor, and by instilling belief in his players, he helped them achieve their full potential.

More importantly, Phil's unconventional yet highly effective coaching style turned the '90s Bulls from a promising collection of talents to a dynasty. In 1991, Jackson and the Bulls finally won the first of their many NBA championships. The rest, as they say, is history.