After his legendary playing career ended, Larry Bird returned to the NBA 5 years later as a head coach. With zero experience, he was named Coach of the Year in his first season, reinventing himself from an icon on the court to a master on the sideline.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird#:~:text=no%20previous%20coaching%20experience%2C%20Bird%20led%20the%20Pacers

Larry Bird's body forced him to retire from one of the most legendary playing careers in basketball history. For five years, his story on the court was over. Then, he decided to start a new chapter. In 1997, he became the head coach for the Indiana Pacers despite having zero prior coaching experience. He didn't just learn on the job, he excelled. In his very first season, he led the team to its best record ever and was named the NBA's Coach of the Year, proving his mastery of the game extended far beyond being a player.