OKC Thunder sign coach Scott Brooks to multi-year contract

The Oklahoma City Thunder signed Head Coach Scott Brooks to a multi-year contract, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager, Sam Presti. We’ll post details of the contract in this spot on this page later today.

This past season, Brooks guided the Thunder to a second consecutive Northwest Division title and a trip to the NBA Finals. Under Brooks, the Thunder has claimed the second most victories (152) in the NBA during the past three seasons.

“Continuing with Scott as our head coach is extremely significant for the future of our organization,” said Presti. “As we have continually communicated, he has been integral to our success and we have a deep appreciation for his tireless dedication to our players’ development. His experiences and core values are invaluable to our players as they continue to grow and improve and we are thrilled to continue our partnership.”

Oklahoma City has qualified for the postseason in each of the last three seasons and since taking over as Thunder Head Coach on November 22, 2009, Oklahoma City registered a mark of 174-125 (.582).

“I would like to thank Clay Bennett and Sam Presti for the opportunity to continue with the Thunder,” said Brooks. “Oklahoma City is a special place and I’m eager to build upon the foundation and culture of this franchise for years to come.”

After guiding the Thunder to the best record in the Western Conference at the midway point of this past season, Brooks and his staff represented the Thunder by coaching the Western Conference All-Stars in Orlando. Led by Brooks, the Western Conference All-Stars captured a 152-149 victory over the Eastern Conference.

Brooks, the 16th head coach in franchise history, received the 2009-10 Red Auerbach NBA Coach of the Year award after his second season on the Thunder sideline. During his first full year at the helm of the Thunder, Brooks oversaw one of the biggest turnarounds in NBA history. A year after winning 23 games, the Thunder concluded the 2009-10 season with a record of 50-32 (.610). The 27-win improvement was tied for the eighth largest in NBA history.

Brooks enjoyed an 11-year (1988-99) playing career in the NBA, appearing in 680 regular season games with Philadelphia, Minnesota, Houston, Dallas, New York, Cleveland and the Los Angeles Clippers. Brooks’ teams advanced to the postseason six of his 11 NBA seasons, and in 1994, he was a member of the NBA Champion Houston Rockets. Brooks holds career averages of 4.9 points and 2.4 assists per game.

A native of Lathrop, California, Brooks began his collegiate career at Texas Christian University, where he played one season. He then transferred to San Joaquin Delta College for his sophomore season, before spending his final two years at UC Irvine, where he averaged 23.8 points per game as a senior.