Head Coach John Coffino Assistant Coach Darvin Ham Assistant Coach Dean Garrett

Coffino joined the Thunderbirds’ staff in 2007 as an assistant coach in the team’s third season under Jeff Ruland. He becomes the Thunderbirds’ third head coach in the team’s four-year history.

Coffino, 45, has spent nine years as a Division I assistant coach: at Iona College from 1997-1999, at Niagara University from 1999-2002, and at St. Peter’s College from 2002-2006.

Said Coffino: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this team, increase the presence of the organization and to continue the contributions we are making to the Albuquerque community.”

Ham, 35, returns to the Albuquerque Thunderbirds after being the No.1 draft pick for the Thunderbirds in 2007. Ham averaged 10.1ppg and 5.6 rpg. He came highly recommended by two of his former NBA coaches, Larry Brown and George Karl.

Ham played with six teams in the NBA from 1996-97 to 2004-05. He spent the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons with the Detroit Pistons, where he won an NBA championship in 2004. Ham was with the Atlanta Hawks in 2002-03, the Milwaukee Bucks for three seasons from 1999 to 2002 and with the Washington Bullets in 1997-98. He spent his rookie season with the NBA Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers.

Ham has played internationally in Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Spain. Ham has also performed work as an NBA studio analyst for Fox Sports Southwest.

Coffino said: “Having Coach Ham join our staff will be an easy transition for all of us. Darvin’s experience as part of an NBA Championship team proves that he has a wealth of information to share with young players. Darvin was born to coach and is a natural leader on and off the court.”

Garrett, 41, comes to the Thunderbirds after a long career in the NBA and as an NCAA standout. He played collegiately at Indiana University, where he was a member of the 1987 NCAA Championship team with UNM Head Coach Steve Alford.

Coach Alford said: "I am very excited for Dean and his opportunity with a quality organization like the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. He has wanted to get into coaching for some time and I know he will do an excellent job for the T-Birds. Dean is a great individual and close friend and I am excited that he will be in Albuquerque."

At Indiana, Garrett earned a reputation for being a solid scorer and tireless rebounder for Hoosier coach Bob Knight. He averaged 11.4 ppg and 8.5 rpg in his junior season and his numbers jumped to 16.1 ppg and 8.5 rpg during his senior year (1987-88). His efforts were noticed by the Phoenix Suns, who made Garrett the 38th overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft.

Garrett played in Europe (Italy and Greece) from 1988-1996. In 1996 Garrett began his NBA career when he signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He went on to play six years in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors. His best year as a pro came during the 1997-98 NBA season when he started in all 82 games for the Nuggets, averaging 7.3 ppg.

Coffino said: “Dean Garrett is another assistant coach who knows what it takes to win. Coach Garrett has proven that he knows what it takes to develop our bigger players and his people skills make him a wonderful addition to our community.”

Owner Sam Bregman commented on this year’s coaching staff: “We are very excited to have three coaches that know basketball, know the NBA, and will take the TBIRDS to a championship.”

The Thunderbirds continue their tradition of offering affordable family entertainment with special discount packages available now. To take advantage of these low cost-high quality opportunities call 505.265.DUNK today to reserve your season tickets.