[7] After graduating from Fresno Pacific College, Adams became an assistant coach for the basketball team in 1969.

He moved up to the professional level, as head coach for Belgian team Sunair Ostende in the 1978–79 season.

[8][12] After two seasons, Adams joined John Lucas II's staff on the Philadelphia 76ers as assistant coach in 1994.

Adams won his first championship after the Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games of the 2015 NBA Finals.

Adams won his second championship in three years after the Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games of the 2017 NBA Finals.

Adams won his second straight championship when the Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games of the 2018 NBA Finals.

Adams won his fourth championship when the Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in six games of the 2022 NBA Finals.