Head coach Darko Rajakovic has officially finalized his coaching staff for the upcoming Toronto Raptors season, bringing in high-profile new faces alongside key internal promotions and returning veterans to bolster the bench.
The revamped coaching setup blends extensive NBA experience, tactical acumen, and player development expertise as the franchise prepares to make a major push in the competitive Eastern Conference.
High-Profile Additions on the Front Bench
The most notable changes come on the front bench, where seasoned basketball mind Stephen Silas has officially joined the organization as an assistant coach. Silas brings a wealth of basketball pedigree to Toronto, having recently served as head coach of USA Basketball through the 2025 and 2027 FIBA AmeriCup windows. During that stint, he guided the national program to an impressive 11-3 record (.786 winning percentage) and a hard-fought bronze medal finish last August.
Silas boasts an extensive NBA coaching career spanning 25 seasons, most recently operating as a lead assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons during the 2023-24 campaign. His arrival adds veteran poise and tactical depth to Rajakovic’s staff, alongside returning assistant coaches Pat Delany and Jama Mahlalela.
Internal Promotions and Returning Faces
In addition to external hires, the Raptors have rewarded internal excellence. Matt Vest has been officially elevated to an assistant coach role. Vest previously spent three productive seasons (2023–2026) working tirelessly behind the scenes as an assistant video coordinator and player development coach under Rajakovic, proving his value within the organization’s developmental pipeline.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Castleberry returns for his second stint on the Raptors’ staff. Castleberry originally joined the franchise’s championship-winning staff during the historic 2018-19 season. Before returning to Toronto, he built an extensive resume that included five seasons as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers (2019–2026) and five seasons within the San Antonio Spurs organization (2013–2018).
Rounding out the robust coaching lineup are returning assistants Ivo Simović, Vin Bhavnani, Eric Khoury, Jim Sann, and Mery Andrade.
Bolstering Player Development and Support Staff
Player development remains a core pillar of the Raptors’ philosophy, reflected in a series of strategic additions to the support staff. Ike Azotam and Kareem Elliott are joined by new video coordinators and player development coaches Stephane Ingo, Isiah Price, and Aidan Wilson.
Notably, Ingo joins the organization after spending two seasons within the Sacramento Kings setup—initially as a coaching associate in 2024-25 and later as an assistant video coordinator. Before transitioning to the NBA coaching ranks, the Mississauga, Ontario native played professionally for the Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League over two seasons (2022–2024).
Behind the scenes, Felecia Brown returns as manager of coaching operations, embarking on her fourth dedicated season with the club.
With the coaching infrastructure now firmly in place, the Raptors have solidified the foundational leadership needed to guide their roster through an action-packed, demanding 82-game campaign.
