ESPN VERIFIED: Thunder Head Coach Mark Daigneault Steps Down Amid Major Controversy

Oklahoma City, OK – September 20, 2025 — In a shocking turn of events just confirmed by ESPN, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has officially stepped down, citing a “significant error” currently under investigation by the organization and the NBA.

The announcement came within the past few minutes and has sent shockwaves across the league. Daigneault, who was recently praised for leading one of the NBA’s youngest and most promising teams, reportedly resigned following internal discussions with Thunder ownership and legal counsel.

“Effective immediately, Mark Daigneault has stepped down as head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder,” the team confirmed in an official statement. “This decision follows the emergence of a serious matter that is currently being reviewed by the franchise and league officials.”

Details Remain Under Wraps

While the Thunder have yet to publicly confirm the nature of the incident, multiple sources close to the situation describe it as a “professional conduct issue” that surfaced in the past week. The matter is now under joint investigation by both the Thunder organization and the NBA’s Ethics and Compliance Office.

No criminal allegations have been reported at this time, but sources say the issue involves breach of team policies or “behavior inconsistent with the NBA’s code of conduct.”

Daigneault Issues Brief Statement

Mark Daigneault, who had been at the helm of the Thunder since 2020, released a brief personal statement:

“I have made a serious error in judgment that does not reflect the standards of the Thunder organization or the values I hold myself to. For the good of the team, I am stepping aside.”

He added, “I remain grateful for my time with the Thunder and deeply regret the circumstances that have led to this decision.”

Interim Coach to Be Named

The Thunder are expected to name an interim head coach within the next 48 hours, with assistant coach Dave Bliss or Grant Gibbs among the likely candidates to take over in the short term.

General Manager Sam Presti is also expected to address the media later today regarding the incident and the franchise’s path forward.

NBA and League Reaction

The NBA has issued a statement confirming they are aware of the situation and are monitoring the investigation closely.

“We are working with the Oklahoma City Thunder to ensure all proper protocols are followed,” the league said. “Our priority remains maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the NBA.”

Fan and Player Reaction

The news has stunned Thunder fans and players alike, many of whom saw Daigneault as a key architect in the team’s resurgence. Under his leadership, OKC became a serious playoff contender behind rising stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Nikola Topić.

Social media platforms lit up within minutes of the announcement, with #Daigneault, #OKCThunder, and #NBA trending worldwide.

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Stay with ESPN.com and the ESPN app for exclusive coverage, updates on the ongoing investigation, and developments surrounding the Thunder’s coaching staff and 2025–26 season outlook.

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