Thunder Make Coaching Decision During NBA Offseason

Thunder Make Coaching Change Ahead of NBA Title Defense

Despite entering the year as one of the favorites to repeat, the Thunder will see a shift in their coaching structure. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Daniel Dixon will be named head coach of the OKC Blue, the franchise’s G League affiliate.

“The Oklahoma City Thunder will name Daniel Dixon as G League head coach of the OKC Blue, league sources told @hoopshype,” Scotto wrote on X.

Dixon had served as an assistant coach for the Thunder last season and has been with the organization since 2022. Before joining Oklahoma City, he worked as a video coordinator for the Charlotte Hornets and built his résumé with playing experience at William & Mary, in the G League, and overseas.

His promotion aligns with the Thunder’s long-term commitment to developing talent not only on the court but also in the coaching ranks. The move ensures continuity within the organization while giving Dixon a platform to shape future contributors to the NBA roster.

What’s Next for the 2025-26 OKC Thunder

The Thunder will begin the 2025-26 season with championship aspirations and one of the deepest rosters in the league. Just as it has been in recent years, Gilgeous-Alexander will once again be among the favorites to win the MVP award, and remains Oklahoma City's centerpiece. The 27-year-old will be supported by a young and playoff-tested cast built for sustained success.

As defending champions, the pressure will be immense, but Oklahoma City’s balance of star power, culture, and development structure puts them in prime position to contend again in a Western Conference that appears tougher than last year. With Daigneault at the helm, the Thunder will hope to achieve what no other team has done since the 2018 Golden State Warriors: win consecutive NBA titles.