Mark Daigneault, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s head coach, praises his team after they advanced to the Finals for the first time since 2012.
His father, Rick Daigneault, was a member of the Crusader baseball team.
Highlights
- Rick Daigneault was a member of the Holy Cross Crusader baseball team, graduating in 1980.
- Sandy Daigneault’s career as an educator instilled in Mark the importance of core coaching skills, such as communication, relationship-building, and adapting to diverse personalities.
- Mark grew up with his sister, Erica, who is also an educator.
Under college head coach Jim Calhoun, Mark Daigneault served as a student manager for the UConn Huskies from 2003 to 2007.
He initially intended to pursue a master’s degree, but Jim, alongside Associate Head Coach George Blaney, urged him to consider an assistant coaching position at Holy Cross.
After three seasons with the Crusaders, he joined the University of Florida as an assistant, working for the Florida Gators.
The Oklahoma City Thunder named him the new head coach of the Oklahoma City Blue on August 22, 2014. He became the longest-tenured coach in franchise history with five seasons.
Mark became the fourth head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 11, 2020, and the second youngest head coach at the time in the NBA.
In April 2024, he was named NBA Coach of the Year for the 2023–24 season, joining Scott Brooks as the only Thunder coaches to win the award.
The opportunity to be the head coach of the Thunder is truly a special honor. Over my six years in Oklahoma City I’ve developed a deep commitment to the organization and a care for what is truly a special community that I call home. From my first day here, my values have always been aligned with those of the organization, and I’m looking forward to helping them continue to be lived out on and off the court.
Mark Daigneault
Mark Daigneault’s Parents Planted The Seeds Of Success
Mark Daigneault, the son of Sandy and Rick Daigneault, was born on February 23, 1985. His parents raised him alongside his sister, Erica, in Leominster, Massachusetts.
His successful roots can be traced back to the steady influence of his parents.
Sandy and Rick instilled the values of hard work and dedication that shaped their son’s remarkable coaching journey.
Rick laid a significant foundation for his son through his actions and athletic history.
He graduated from the prestigious College of the Holy Cross in 1980 and was a member of the Holy Cross Crusader baseball team.
His experience at Holy Cross wasn’t just a personal milestone. It also became a beacon for his son.
Mark has openly acknowledged the profound impact of his father’s relentless work ethic, and he looked towards his father’s alma mater to secure an assistant coaching position.
Meanwhile, Sandy’s career as an educator undoubtedly instilled in him the importance of communication, relationship-building, and adapting to diverse personalities.
She represents the compassionate, service-oriented bedrock of the family.
Rick Daigneault’s Journey Of Hard Work And Commitment
Rick’s career path paints a picture of quiet consistency, adaptability, and a commitment to hard work, values often reflected in his son’s coaching success.
He may not seek headlines, but his journey provides a compelling backdrop to the high-profile achievements of his son, Mark.
Rick’s professional journey began after earning his bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross. He joined Digital Equipment Corporation as an Operations Manager in January 1992.
Later, he moved to Compaq Computer Corp in August 1998, taking on the responsibilities of a Contract and Compliance Manager.
His most significant chapter unfolded at Hewlett-Packard, where he dedicated over 19 years. He served as a business manager, sales representative, and account executive.
It demonstrated his reliability and adaptability in various roles within a large organization.
Currently, he serves part-time at Camino Restaurant in Leominster, Massachusetts. He is actively connecting within his community, finding value in service beyond the boardroom.
Additional Information
- During Mark Daigneault’s stint with the Thunder, he has been described as an open-minded, innovative, and unconventional coach.
- He was married to Ashley Kerr, a women’s gymnastics assistant coach at the University of Oklahoma.
- His net worth is estimated at $ 3 million.
