Blake Griffin Returns Home: Named Associate Head Coach at University of Oklahoma

A Monumental Shift for the Sooners as the NBA Legend Begins His Coaching Journey in Norman

By [Author Name], Senior Sports Writer

April 30, 2025

A Thunderous Homecoming

In a move that has electrified the college basketball world and reinvigorated the crimson-and-cream faithful, the University of Oklahoma has officially announced that NBA icon and Oklahoma native Blake Griffin will return to his alma mater as the Associate Head Coach of the men’s basketball team.

Griffin, 36, spent 13 seasons in the NBA, earning six All-Star nods, five All-NBA selections, and amassing a resume that places him among the most recognizable power forwards of his generation. But after stepping away from the court in 2023, Griffin has spent time reflecting on what comes next—choosing a path that leads directly back to the heart of Norman, Oklahoma.

“This is where it all started for me,” Griffin said during an emotional introductory press conference. “To come back home, to give back to the program that shaped me, and to help lead the next generation of Sooners—it’s more than basketball, it’s legacy.”

A Look Back: From Sooner Phenom to NBA Superstar

Dominance in Norman

Blake Griffin’s relationship with the Sooners traces back to his high school days at Oklahoma Christian School, where he and his brother, Taylor, dominated the Oklahoma prep scene. By 2007, he was the most coveted recruit in the state, ultimately choosing to play for Jeff Capel and the Oklahoma Sooners.

Griffin’s sophomore season in 2008–09 became the stuff of legend. Averaging 22.7 points, 14.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, he bulldozed his way to the Naismith Award, Wooden Award, AP Player of the Year, and consensus first-team All-American honors. He led the Sooners to the Elite Eight before falling to eventual national champion North Carolina.

NBA Career: A Blend of Power and Prowess

Los Angeles Ascension

Selected No. 1 overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 NBA Draft, Griffin missed his rookie season due to a knee injury but burst onto the scene in 2010–11, winning Rookie of the Year and delivering some of the most jaw-dropping dunks in NBA history. With the Clippers, he helped create the “Lob City” era alongside Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, revitalizing a previously dormant franchise.

Journeyman to Mentor

Griffin later played for the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics, reinventing himself as a savvy veteran capable of stretching the floor, facilitating offense, and mentoring younger players. Though injuries sapped some of his explosive athleticism, his basketball IQ and leadership remained sharp.

The New Era in Oklahoma: Griffin Joins Porter Moser’s Staff

The hiring of Blake Griffin as associate head coach is more than a sentimental reunion—it’s a strategic power move by Porter Moser, who enters his fourth season at the helm of the Sooners. Moser, known for his disciplined defensive systems and structured offensive sets, gains a partner who brings not only credibility and charisma but also professional experience that few college staffs can match.

“Blake brings unmatched experience, a deep understanding of the game, and the ability to connect with today’s players in a way that’s truly rare,” said Moser. “His presence will elevate everything we do—from recruiting to player development to national visibility.”

Recruiting Game-Changer

Griffin’s name alone will turn heads on the recruiting trail. But it’s not just about star power—it’s about relatability. Having been through every level of the game, from high school prodigy to college All-American to NBA All-Star, Griffin understands the journey better than anyone.

Early Results Already?

Several high-profile 2026 recruits have already taken notice. Sources close to five-star point guard Malik Henderson said Griffin’s hire “massively changed the equation” for his decision, and that a visit to Norman is now “inevitable.”

With the transfer portal dominating offseason narratives, Griffin also provides a magnetic draw for experienced players looking to add polish to their games before going pro.

Player Development and Modern Mindset

A Progressive Teaching Style

Griffin’s knowledge of contemporary NBA schemes—spacing, pick-and-roll coverages, pace-and-space offense—could make Oklahoma a more modern, NBA-ready team. While Moser prefers structure and tactical precision, Griffin may push for more fluid offensive sets, akin to the styles found in professional playbooks.

He’s also been quietly involved in skill development work over the past year, spending time with NBA hopefuls, training current pros, and even working with G League players behind the scenes.

“I’m not here to just be a name on a roster,” Griffin stated. “I’ve been studying the game from a coaching perspective for years. This is a serious chapter for me.”

Impact on the Sooners’ 2025–26 Outlook

The Sooners finished the 2024–25 season just outside the NCAA Tournament bubble. With a solid returning core and now a coaching staff featuring one of the most recognizable players in college basketball history, expectations have shifted rapidly.

Lineup Foundation

• Darian Hobbs, junior shooting guard, returns as the team’s leading scorer.
• Manny Cole, a 6’10” forward with NBA upside, could benefit directly from Griffin’s mentorship.
• Incoming freshman J.J. Thomas, a four-star point guard, is already drawing comparisons to a young Tyrese Maxey.

Adding Griffin’s strategic mind to this mix could be the jolt needed to get the Sooners over the hump in the brutally competitive Big 12.

Voices from the Community and the League

Former Coach Jeff Capel:

“I always believed Blake would be back at Oklahoma in some capacity. Coaching suits him. He’s thoughtful, invested, and competitive in all the right ways.”

Chris Paul, Former Teammate:

“There’s not many guys I’d trust to build a culture. Blake’s one of them. He’ll do great things at OU.”

Fans React

Sooner Nation has flooded social media with enthusiasm:

• “Blake back in Norman? Say less. Final Four incoming!”
• “I’ve never been this hyped about a coaching hire. Moser + Griffin is a dream team.”

Long-Term Vision: Is a Head Coach Role Inevitable?

Many within college basketball circles believe this move is only the beginning. If Griffin succeeds in his role, it’s not outlandish to imagine him as a future head coach—whether at Oklahoma or elsewhere.

In fact, some insiders suggest that this could be a succession plan. Moser has been rumored in connection with several Power Five jobs in recent years, and the university may be grooming Griffin for the long haul.

“I’m taking it one step at a time,” Griffin said when asked about head coaching ambitions. “Right now, it’s about helping this team win and giving back to this university. That’s my full focus.”

Conclusion: The Return of a Legend

The announcement of Blake Griffin as Associate Head Coach at the University of Oklahoma marks a seismic moment for the program. It’s not just a symbolic reunion—it’s a transformative hiring that could redefine what’s possible in Norman.

As the Sooners prepare for the 2025–26 season, the buzz is real, the expectations are rising, and the future feels brighter than ever.

Blake Griffin is back where it all began. And Oklahoma basketball may never be the same again.