Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mark Daigneault

Discover the career path of Mark Daigneault, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Mark Daigneault is the current head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. Hired in 2020, Daigneault is known for his player development skills and modern coaching strategies. He previously coached the Thunder's G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, before ascending to the head coaching position. His focus is on building a young, developing team through a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Daigneault emphasizes data analysis and innovative approaches to maximize player potential and team performance.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2003: Student Manager for UConn Huskies

In 2003, Mark Daigneault started as a student manager for the UConn Huskies.

2007: End of Tenure as Student Manager

In 2007, Mark Daigneault ended his tenure as a student manager for the UConn Huskies and earned his bachelor's degree in education.

2008: Assistant Coaching Position at Holy Cross

In 2008, Mark Daigneault took an assistant coaching position at Holy Cross, with recommendations from Jim Calhoun and George Blaney.

2008: First Losing Season Since 2008-09 Season

With the Thunder in a rebuilding phase, Mark Daigneault finished his first season with a 22-50 record, the first losing season since the 2008-09 season.

2010: Scott Brooks Wins Coach of the Year

In 2010, Scott Brooks won coach of the year award.

2010: Tied Highest Win Total

In 2010, the Oklahoma City Blue tied its highest win total since the 2010-11 season.

August 22, 2014: Head Coach of Oklahoma City Blue

On August 22, 2014, Mark Daigneault was named the head coach of the Oklahoma City Blue.

2015: Assistant Coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder

After a brief stint in the 2015-16 NBA season, Mark Daigneault was named as an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2015: Joined Billy Donovan's Coaching Staff Midseason

During the 2015-16 NBA season, Mark Daigneault joined Billy Donovan's coaching staff midseason after assistant Maurice Cheeks was sidelined for six weeks.

2017: Led the Blue to a Franchise-Record 34 Wins

In the 2016-17 season, Mark Daigneault led the Oklahoma City Blue to a franchise-record 34 wins.

2019: Parting Ways with Billy Donovan

After the 2019-20 season, the Thunder and head coach Billy Donovan mutually agreed to part ways.

November 11, 2020: Named Head Coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder

On November 11, 2020, Mark Daigneault was named the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2022: Thunder Players Credit Daigneault's Coaching

After the 2022-23 season, many Thunder players credited Daigneault's coaching and their relationship with him during the Thunder's annual exit interviews.

2022: Top-10 Defense Rankings

During the Thunder's rebuild, Daigneault led the Thunder to multiple seasons ranking top-10 in defense; In the 2022-23 season, the Thunder were one of the best third quarter teams coming out of halftime due to Daigneault's in-game adjustments.