Michael “Marvin ‘Coach Mack’ Mack,” a lifelong Guthrie resident, is receiving national recognition after being featured in an ESPN segment for his warm presence and heartfelt mentorship as an NBA security guard.
The video, which aired on ESPN’s NBA Today, highlights Coach Mack’s unique story. Often seen greeting Thunder players and fans at Oklahoma City’s arena, he’s known for wearing his “Coach Mack” nametag—a nod to his rich basketball background. After a stint playing for Guthrie High School’s state-champion team in 1968 and later starring at Langston University, Coach Mack coached girls’ high school basketball at Frederick Douglass High in OKC before joining the NBA security ranks when the Hornets relocated during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
In the ESPN feature, the crew describes his presence as “nothing short of exceptional.” During locker-room battles and fan chaos, Coach Mack stands steady outside the visiting team’s green room, offering friendly remarks and sometimes calling out play tips when he feels like it.
Among the most cherished moments captured: during Kobe Bryant’s final appearance in Oklahoma City in April 2016, Coach Mack received a tap on the shoulder. “Kobe Bryant wants to take a picture with you,” he was told, marking a career highlight for Mack. The respect didn’t come just from superstar players. Young Thunder athletes frequently refer to him affectionately as “Coach Mack,” noting how he treats everyone with dignity and offers relatable advice during games.
Now 68, Coach Mack remains a constant fixture in the Thunder’s hallway. He says he balances security duty for the visiting team with cherishing every interaction, grateful for the “best of both worlds.” Players and fans alike describe him as a “breath of fresh air” in the arena.
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