Former Miami Heat guard Norris Cole, a two-time NBA champion with the franchise, has been hired as an assistant coach for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the team's G League affiliate. The announcement was made for the upcoming 2026-27 season. This coaching move arrives as the parent club builds momentum, having just secured a commanding 143-117 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on April 12, part of a recent 3W-2L run.
The Sioux Falls Skyforce confirmed their coaching staff for the next campaign, with Mario Casamajor as head coach. He'll be assisted by Remy NDiaye, Nate Wilson, Darius Johnson-Odom, and Norris Cole. Cole's appointment is a notable shift into coaching after his recent playing career overseas. He hasn't formally retired from playing, but his last professional stint was with Peñarol in Uruguay earlier this year. His only prior coaching experience came last season when he led the girls' basketball team at Trinity High School in Pennsylvania.
Cole's return strengthens the developmental pipeline for the Heat. He brings firsthand knowledge of the team's championship culture from the "Heatles" era, having played alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. His experience as a role player who carved out a key backup point guard spot is invaluable for young prospects in Sioux Falls. The Heat's system relies on finding and molding talent, and Cole's journey from late first-round pick to title winner is a perfect blueprint. This internal promotion also shows the organization's trust in its alumni, fostering continuity from the G League to the NBA roster.
Drafted 28th overall by Miami in 2011, Cole quickly became the primary backup point guard. He contributed to back-to-back NBA championships in 2012 and 2013. Midway through the 2014-15 season, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in a three-team deal involving the Phoenix Suns. After his Pelicans contract ended following the 2015-16 campaign, Cole played in China for the Shandong Golden Stars. He had a brief NBA return with the Oklahoma City Thunder in March 2017, appearing in 13 games, before continuing his career internationally.
With Cole now on the Skyforce bench, the Heat's development system gains a respected voice. His hiring coincides with a positive period for the main squad, which is on a two-game winning streak after victories over Atlanta and the Washington Wizards. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. The recent 143-117 win against the Hawks showed the offensive firepower the Heat can produce. Integrating champions like Cole into the coaching structure is a long-term play, aiming to instill a winning mentality at every level of the franchise as they prepare for future playoff pushes.
