BREAKING NEWS: Oklahoma City Thunder Legend Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Welcomes Former Head Coach Scott Brooks as the Team’s Senior Head Coach — All Thunder Celebrate His Return
In a stunning move that has electrified the NBA world and thrilled fans across the nation, the Oklahoma City Thunder have officially announced the return of former head coach Scott Brooks — this time as the team’s Senior Head Coach.
The news was broken this morning during a press conference at Paycom Center, where Thunder superstar and franchise leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander personally welcomed Brooks back to the organization, calling it a “full-circle moment” for a franchise that has always valued culture, connection, and continuity.
“Scott Brooks is more than a coach — he’s family,” said Shai, who led the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals last season. “This team is built on hard work, trust, and a commitment to greatness. Coach Brooks helped shape that foundation years ago, and now he’s back to help us take the next step.”
Brooks, who coached the Thunder from 2008 to 2015, is best known for developing a young core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka into perennial contenders and guiding the team to the 2012 NBA Finals. His return marks a reunion with a franchise and fanbase that never forgot his impact.
“Coming back to OKC feels like coming home,” Brooks said with a wide smile. “I’ve watched this new era of Thunder basketball with pride. What Shai and Coach Daigneault have built is special. My job is to support, elevate, and help guide us to a championship — plain and simple.”
A Thunderous Celebration
The announcement was met with thunderous applause from players, staff, and fans alike. Thunder veterans like Josh Giddey, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams took to social media to share their excitement, while team owner Clay Bennett praised Brooks as “one of the most respected minds in basketball.”
Even former Thunder legends Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook posted congratulatory messages online, with Durant calling Brooks “one of the real ones” and Westbrook adding, “Welcome back, Coach. Time to finish what we started.”
Brooks’ Role and Vision
As Senior Head Coach, Brooks will serve in a unique leadership role, supporting head coach Mark Daigneault in strategy, player development, and big-picture team building. While Daigneault remains the team’s primary voice on the sidelines, Brooks will operate as a mentor, advisor, and high-level tactician — bringing his wealth of playoff experience to a young team on the cusp of greatness.
“We’re not here to change what’s working — we’re here to make it even better,” Brooks emphasized. “I see the hunger in these guys. I see the belief. And I promise you this — we’re going to give everything we have to bring a title to Oklahoma City.”
What’s Next?
With the 2025-26 NBA season just weeks away, the Thunder’s coaching addition couldn’t come at a better time. After a breakout year that ended just short of the NBA Finals, OKC now boasts one of the league’s most dynamic rosters — and with Brooks back in the fold, the championship window may be opening wider than ever before.
As training camp approaches, one thing is clear: Thunder basketball is back in a big way — and the best may be yet to come.
