Kobe Bryant: Needs Vanessa's Permission to Coach ... Says Wife's BFF

If Kobe Bryant wants to coach after his playing days are over, he's gotta run it by the boss -- his wife -- 'cause she has the final say ... so says Vanessa Bryant's BFF.

We spoke with Monica (the singer) who's married to Kobe's ex-teammate Shannon Brown -- they're besties with the Bryants.

Monica told us she thinks it would be dope if Kobe took up the clipboard after the season wraps -- but ONLY if Vanessa's down to spend more of her life in basketball arenas.