OKC Thunder coaching search: Five things to know about Rex Kalamian

The Oklahoman is highlighting one Thunder head coaching candidate per day as the search for Billy Donovan’s replacement continues.

Here are five things you need to know about Rex Kalamian:

L.A. born and raised

Kalamian grew up in Los Angeles and attended East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park, California.

Kalamian finished his college career at Division-II Cal Poly Pomona, graduating in 1993.

NBA start

Kalamian returned to East Los Angeles College as a graduate assistant coach. While there, he received an offer from former Clippers general manager Elgin Baylor to join the organization as a video coordinator.

Kalamian was promoted to assistant coach in 1995 and he stayed with the Clippers until 2003.

He worked under head coaches Bill Fitch, Chris Ford and Alvin Gentry in Los Angeles.

Thunder connection

Kalamian served brief stints in Denver, Minnesota and Sacramento before the Thunder hired him as an assistant coach in 2009.

He coached in Oklahoma City for six seasons, and was Scott Brooks’ lead assistant from 2013-15. Kalamian left the Thunder when Brooks was fired after the 2014-15 season.

“It’s disappointing because the ultimate goal was a championship, and we came so close,” Kalamian told The Oklahoman in November 2015. “I was just personally disappointed that we could never get over the hump because of whatever … being outplayed or injury.

“But I understand the business and I’ve been in this situation before where new coaches take over. Sometimes it’s unfortunate, but it’s time to move on, find new opportunities and new challenges.”

Kalamian also said that his time in Oklahoma City was the “most rewarding experience” of his career.

Back where it began

From Oklahoma City, Kalamian headed to Toronto. He spent three seasons as a Raptors assistant under coach Dwane Casey.

Kalamian’s career came full circle after Casey was fired following the 2017-18 season.

Doc Rivers offered Kalamian a job, and Kalamian returned home to Los Angeles. Kalamian spent the last two seasons as a Clippers assistant, in what was his second stint with the organization.

It’s unclear where Kalamian will land after the Clippers parted ways with Rivers, who has since been hired by the 76ers.

Defense first

Kalamian has often filled the defensive coordinator role as an assistant coach.

“The first thing I know I have to bring every day is the energy,” Kalamian told the Clippers’ team site. “As soon as the players see you bring the energy, then they’ll bring it. That’s kind of, in a nutshell, who I am as a person and as a coach.”

Kalamian’s teams have finished as a top-12 defense in four out of the last five seasons.