Auerbach began his NBA coaching career with the Washington Capitols in 1946. He then spent one season with the Tri-Cities Blackhawks before becoming the head coach of the Celtics in 1950.

Auerbach quickly turned the Celtics into a powerhouse. He led the team to nine NBA championships in 16 seasons as coach, including an unprecedented eight straight titles from 1959 to 1966.

Auerbach was a master innovator, and is credited with developing many of the strategies and tactics that are still used in the NBA today. He was also a brilliant talent evaluator, and helped to build the Celtics into a dynasty by drafting and trading for some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and John Havlicek.

Red retired from coaching in 1966, but he remained involved with the Celtics as president and general manager. He continued to lead the team to success, winning six more NBA championships during his time in the front office.

Auerbach was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969. He is the only person in NBA history to win 16 championships, either as a coach or executive.