Phil Jackson -- Lakers Coaching Job Was Decided in a 'Midnight Coup'

Phil Jackson says he's NOT bitter at the Lakers for passing him over for the head coaching job earlier this month ... claiming Lakers brass decided to go with Mike D'Antoni in a "midnight coup."

The Zen Master was out in Santa Barbara this weekend ... when he was asked if he felt the Lakers treated him unfairly during the negotiations. Jackson explained, "We never discussed any terms ... so there was never anything unfair about it."

Phil -- now 67-years-old -- also made it clear ... the chances of him ever coaching in the NBA again are "slim and none."

Still, Jackson had some advice for the Lakers ... and for Kobe Bryant.