In a heartfelt message that has captured the attention of the NBA community, Darvin Ham, the former Los Angeles Rams head coach, now serving as an assistant coach under Doc Rivers for the Milwaukee Bucks, has left a touching note for Stan Kroenke, the owner of the Los Angeles Rams.
Ham’s departure from the Rams organization in 2023 after a relatively brief tenure was met with mixed emotions. However, his transition to the NBA, where he joined Rivers’ coaching staff in Milwaukee, has been marked by success and new opportunities.
The note, which Ham posted on social media and shared privately with Kroenke, is a reflection of his growth both as a coach and a person, and serves as a way for him to express his gratitude to the Rams and Kroenke for the opportunity.
The Journey: From Rams HC to NBA Assistant Coach
Darvin Ham’s move to the NBA was one of the more unconventional coaching transitions in recent years. Known for his career as a player in the NBA, where he won a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004, Ham took on the head coaching role for the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL in 2021. Despite a rocky start, he showed flashes of brilliance during his time with the Rams. However, after a disappointing 2022 season, Ham made the decision to leave the NFL and pursue a return to basketball.
After joining Doc Rivers’ coaching staff with the Milwaukee Bucks, Ham quickly found a new lease on his coaching career. His ability to adapt his leadership style from football to basketball has been lauded by Rivers and the Bucks organization, with many seeing Ham as a future NBA head coach. His skills in developing players, his strategic mindset, and his ability to motivate players have already made a significant impact on the Bucks’ defense and overall team cohesion.
Despite the success in his new role, Ham took the time to reflect on his past in the NFL, acknowledging the challenges and growth that came from his short stint with the Rams. In his message to Stan Kroenke, Ham expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, even as he moved forward with a new chapter in his career.
The Note to Stan Kroenke: A Message of Gratitude
In his note to Stan Kroenke, Darvin Ham addressed both the ups and downs of his time with the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the challenges he faced as head coach, Ham expressed sincere appreciation for the faith that Kroenke and the Rams organization had in him. Ham acknowledged that while his tenure in the NFL wasn’t without its difficulties, the experience ultimately shaped him into the coach he is today.
The message read in part:
“Dear Stan,
I want to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to coach the Los Angeles Rams. Although my time with the team was brief, the lessons I learned there have been invaluable. I am grateful for the trust you placed in me, and for the incredible staff and players I had the privilege to work with.
As I move forward with the Milwaukee Bucks, I carry with me the memories of my time in Los Angeles, both the successes and the challenges. It was a unique journey, and one that has prepared me for the next phase of my career. While it was tough to leave the Rams, I look forward to continuing to grow and develop as a coach.
Thank you for your support and understanding. I’ll always have great respect for you and the Rams organization.
Sincerely,
Darvin Ham”
The message clearly conveys a sense of gratitude and professionalism, marking the end of one chapter while emphasizing the importance of the experience gained during his time in the NFL.
The Rams’ Response: Acknowledging Ham’s Impact
Stan Kroenke and the Los Angeles Rams organization responded to Ham’s note with an equally gracious message, acknowledging the contributions that Ham made to the team during his time in Los Angeles.
“We want to thank Darvin for his time with the Los Angeles Rams. While his stint as head coach didn’t result in the success we all hoped for, Darvin displayed great leadership and dedication to the team,” said Les Snead, the Rams’ general manager. “We respect his decision to move on to a new opportunity, and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors with the Milwaukee Bucks.”
Kroenke also expressed his appreciation for Ham’s efforts and growth, stating:
“We are grateful to Darvin for his contributions to the Rams organization. It takes a tremendous amount of character and courage to step into such a high-profile role, and Darvin gave it his all. We understand and respect his decision to pursue a new path, and we wish him much success in the NBA.”
While the Rams’ response was cordial and supportive, it was clear that Ham’s departure marked the end of an era, and the organization was already focusing on future plans, including the hiring of a new head coach to continue building the team’s foundation.
Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks: A New Home for Ham
Since joining the Milwaukee Bucks, Darvin Ham has proven to be a valuable asset to Doc Rivers and the team. Known for his defensive acumen and player development skills, Ham quickly became an integral part of the Bucks’ coaching staff. Under his guidance, the team has seen improvements in their defensive schemes and overall team chemistry.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday, two of the Bucks’ star players, have both spoken highly of Ham’s influence, noting his ability to connect with players and his attention to detail on both ends of the floor.
“Darvin has been a great addition to the staff. He’s got a lot of experience, and you can see it in the way he communicates with us. He’s always bringing something new to the table,” said Giannis Antetokounmpo. “He’s made a real impact already, and we’re excited to see what we can accomplish with him as part of our coaching staff.”
With the Bucks coming off an impressive season and entering the postseason as serious contenders, Ham’s expertise in defense and his leadership qualities have been pivotal in helping the team prepare for a deep playoff run. His versatility as a coach, having worked both in the NFL and NBA, has given him a unique perspective on what it takes to lead a team to success.
Looking Ahead: Ham’s Future in Coaching
As Darvin Ham continues to carve out a successful career in the NBA, many are already speculating about his potential as a future head coach in basketball. His time in the NFL, though brief, helped him refine his leadership skills and adapt to a different sport, giving him a broader skill set that will serve him well as he continues to climb the coaching ranks.
While he is currently thriving under Doc Rivers in Milwaukee, many believe Ham could be in line for a head coaching position in the NBA in the near future. His work ethic, combined with his experience in both football and basketball, positions him as a promising future star in coaching.
For now, Ham is focused on helping the Bucks achieve their ultimate goal — an NBA championship. But his story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and a constant drive for improvement, which has earned him respect in both the NFL and NBA worlds.
Conclusion: A Grateful Departure, A Bright Future
Darvin Ham’s note to Stan Kroenke highlights the gratitude and professionalism that has characterized his coaching career. While his time with the Los Angeles Rams may have been short, his impact on the team and his growth as a coach were significant. Now, with the Milwaukee Bucks, Ham has found a new home where his expertise and leadership can continue to flourish.
The note marks the end of Ham’s brief NFL chapter but signals the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful career in the NBA. Whether in football or basketball, Darvin Ham has shown that his ability to inspire, lead, and develop players will leave a lasting legacy in the world of sports.