Mark Daigneault of the Thunder Named NBA Coach of the Year by NBCA

During the 2023-24 NBA regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured 57 wins, propelling them to the top seed and earning Mark Daigneault the Coach of the Year award. With a record of 57-25, the Thunder, with an average age of 23.9, became the youngest team ever to clinch the No. 1 seed. This achievement marked only the second time in their storied history that they claimed the top spot, boasting the third-highest win total in Thunder history for the season.

For the second consecutive season, the Thunder have shown remarkable improvement, with their win total increasing by more than 15 games. Last season's 40-42 squad has transformed into a 57-win team, largely maintaining the same roster while banking on internal development and the addition of Chet Holmgren.

A significant factor in this success is head coach Mark Daigneault, who has guided the team from 22 wins in his first season to 57 wins through a consistent approach that resonates with his young squad.


At just 39 years old, Daigneault has established himself as one of the league's premier coaches, with his players fully buying into his coaching philosophy. As he prepares for his first playoff series, he does so with the prestigious National Basketball Coaches Association's NBA Coach of the Year award in hand.

Wojnarowski revealed that other coaches to receive votes were J.B. Bickerstaff, Chris Finch, Joe Mazzulla, and Jamahl Mosley.

Daigneault, hired in 2020, has shaped the Thunder into a formidable team despite their youth. Led by Gilgeous-Alexander's stellar play, Oklahoma City boasts one of the league's top net ratings.

With a young roster, including standout performances from Gilgeous-Alexander and promising rookies like Holmgren, the Thunder look set to contend in the playoffs under Daigneault's guidance.

Source Bleacher Report: Woj: Thunder's Mark Daigneault is NBCA's NBA Coach of the Year After Earning Top Seed
Source: Sports Illustrated: Thunder's Mark Daigneault Takes Home NBCA Coach of the Year Honors