Raptors Officially Name Darko Rajakovic Head Coach

The Raptors have officially hired former Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic as head coach, the team announced in a news release.

“To join and to lead an elite organization like the Raptors is what I have been working for my entire professional life,” Rajakovic said. “This is an amazing opportunity, to join a franchise with a supportive ownership group, fantastic front office and fanbase, and elite players. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead as we work together to achieve our goals: development, playoffs, championships.”

Rajakovic, 44, has been an assistant with Taylor Jenkins and the Grizzlies since 2020. He spent a season as an assistant with the Suns (2019-20) and five with the Thunder (2014-19).

A native of Serbia, Rajakovic also coached the Tulsa 66ers of the G League (2012-14).

“We’re entering a new era — one where we are embracing new ideas, a new attitude, and now a new head coach — but our goals remain the same. A championship. Winning,” Raptors president Masai Ujiri said. “Darko shares those goals, and our belief in culture, professionalism, and hard work. His commitment to both learning and teaching our game is elite, and we are all very excited to welcome him to the Raptors family.”