CHICAGO — In a rare professional pairing, the Chicago Sky have welcomed a father-son duo to their coaching staff this season. Rookie head coach Tyler Marsh brought on his father, Donnie Marsh, as a basketball operations specialist — and their family bond is already shaping the team’s direction on and off the court.
Father and Son, Now Co-Workers
The decision to hire Donnie wasn’t just sentimental. With over 40 years of coaching experience across 13 NCAA men’s programs — including head coaching roles at Florida International and Alabama A&M — Donnie brings deep basketball expertise to the Sky. And for Tyler, having his father on staff is a full-circle moment.
“It was a very short conversation with my dad,” Tyler said. “It’s an extremely proud moment for myself and for our family.”
Tyler had his first college coaching job under Donnie at Alabama A&M, where he led player development. Now the roles are reversed, with Donnie reporting to his son.
Wisdom Across Generations
Donnie sees the partnership as more than symbolic. He admires Tyler’s creativity and leadership, recalling how impressed he was when his son took ownership of player development early in his career.
“He didn’t just cookie-cutter it. He created individual strategies for each player,” Donnie said. “That made me say, ‘He gets it.’”
Tyler, meanwhile, says his coaching style is deeply influenced by watching his father prepare for games and build trust with players. Those habits have translated well to the WNBA.
“Everything I experienced working under him were things I saw growing up,” Tyler said.
Pushing the Sky Forward
Donnie’s mentorship extends to the players, too. Affectionately called “Pops” by the Sky staff, he’s frequently seen working one-on-one during practices. Despite being 69, his rapport with the younger generation has been a valuable asset.
“From a mentorship standpoint, his ability to connect with a younger crowd — it’s been invaluable,” Tyler said.
The bond also brings some family humor. Tyler’s mother, LaRoyce, reportedly joked to put Donnie on a “90-day probation” when the offer came in — just in case things got bumpy.
A Coaching Legacy in the Making
The Marsh coaching legacy may not end with Tyler. His 2-year-old son, Jaxxson, might be the next in line, though Tyler laughs off the idea — for now.
“If I can help it, no,” Tyler said, chuckling. “But if he can connect with people through the game, then I’m all for it.”
Setting the Standard in Chicago
While the Sky remain in rebuilding mode, the Marsh family is determined to create a long-term impact.
“We want to do something special for this organization, for this community, for the city,” Tyler said. “Mostly, for our players.”
With their shared experience and genuine care for the team’s future, the Marshes are laying the groundwork for a strong culture in Chicago.
Do you believe family dynamics like the Marsh duo can give sports teams a competitive edge? Share your thoughts in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
