Skyforce Added Cole and Johnson-Odom to Staff
The Sioux Falls Skyforce hired two former professional players as assistant coaches for the 2026-27 season.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Basketball
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The Sioux Falls Skyforce have added Norris Cole and Darius Johnson-Odom to their coaching staff. The duo will serve as assistants to head coach Mario Casamajor for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.
Why it matters
The organization is bolstering its bench with veteran experience as the parent Miami Heat organization prepares for an expected championship run in the 2026-27 NBA season.
Norris Cole brings experience from 428 NBA games and 73 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague appearances to the bench. His colleague Darius Johnson-Odom enters his first coaching role following a career featuring 12 EuroLeague and 32 EuroCup appearances.
The players
Norris Cole
A former professional player who won two NBA titles and played over 400 games in the league.
Darius Johnson-Odom
A former professional player with extensive experience in the EuroLeague and EuroCup who is starting his coaching career.
Mario Casamajor
The head coach of the Sioux Falls Skyforce who oversees the team's coaching staff and operations.
The details
The new assistants will support Mario Casamajor, who leads the Skyforce as the team begins its 2026-27 season preparation. Cole, a two-time NBA champion, retired from professional play after the 2024-25 season, while 37-year-old Johnson-Odom transitions into his inaugural coaching position.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced the new coaching staff.
2012 and 2013: Norris Cole won his two NBA championships.
2024-25 season: Norris Cole retired from his professional playing career.
2026-27 campaign: The new staff will coach the team.
Season Trajectory
The addition of seasoned players to the staff reinforces the Skyforce's role as a developmental incubator for the Miami Heat organization. These hires signal a tactical emphasis on bringing high-level professional pedigree to the bench as the franchise pursues a championship.
Fans should look for how the new staff influences the team's rotation and player development strategies during the 2026-27 season. These coaching hires provide an early indicator of the organizational culture and tactical philosophy the team intends to deploy.
The takeaway
The transition of veteran players into coaching roles offers the team a depth of on-court knowledge that can accelerate player growth. Readers looking to build professional expertise should note the value of applying prior field experience to new leadership opportunities.
Further reading
Find more updates and team coverage on the Sioux Falls Basketball page.
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