Darius Taylor

Darius Taylor's Biography

Darius Taylor, born on October 2, 1978, has devoted much of his life to the game of basketball. Establishing himself as an impressive player and later a coach, Taylor’s journey through the basketball world led him to his current post as the general manager of the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) Connecticut Sun.

Growing up in America, basketball quickly became a passion for young Darius. This passion was later transformed into a career when he transitioned from a basketball player to a basketball coach. In 2004, he commenced his coaching journey at Temple, where he stood by the side of Head Coach Dawn Staley as an assistant coach. His coaching repertoire quickly expanded, amassing experience, knowledge, and the respect of his peers.

Following his stint at Temple, Taylor moved on to South Carolina, once again joining forces with Dawn Staley. However, a personal turn of events in 2015 led him to make the decision to leave his position. His then-fiancée, Joni Taylor, was named the head coach at Georgia, prompting Taylor to address his priorities and embark on the next phase of his career.

His career profile broadened at the close of 2017 when Taylor was appointed as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Dream, a team that is part of the WNBA. This role marked his transition from collegiate basketball to professional women’s basketball. His dedication to his position and undeniable hard work paid off when he was named the interim head coach on July 24, 2021. This came about due to a sudden vacancy created by the former interim head coach Mike Petersen’s resignation due to health reasons.

Seeking to continuously evolve his career, he gladly accepted the position of general manager of the Connecticut Sun on November 29, 2022. With this new role, Taylor wanted to use his deep-rooted knowledge and love for basketball to help shape the team’s future in the WNBA and continue to make a significant impact on women’s basketball.

On a personal level, Darius Taylor is a devoted husband and father. His wife, Joni Taylor, shares his love for the game and is currently the head women’s basketball coach at Texas A&M. Together, they juggle their demanding careers while raising their two daughters, who were born in 2016 and 2019.

In conclusion, Darius Taylor’s basketball career, which spans from a player to a head coach and ultimately a general manager, showcases a life touched by the love of basketball. His commitment to the sport and his continuous strive for success remains evident in all aspects of his life, both personal and professional. As a successful figure in the WNBA, Taylor continues to inspire those around him with his passion, dedication, and hard work.