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Chad O’Donnell, a long-time friend and colleague, has passed away at the age of 53.

Chad and I met each other on the camp circuit in the early 90’s, and later worked together as assistant coaches at Holy Cross in 1998-99. Following Chad’s long career as a college basketball coach, he started Capital Elite Agency, where he guided and advocated for hundreds of coaches. I can’t express enough in words how much Chad meant to me – he supported me throughout my coaching career, and later in my work with HoopDirt. He was a great friend and a huge part of the college basketball community – he will be missed.

Please consider donating to the GoFundMe that has been set up to help support Chad’s wife Anna and his three children.

Also, Please take a minute to read the tribute that Chad’s brother Corey posted on social media (it really shows how special he was). His full obituary is also below.

Rest in peace my friend…

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We lost my brother Chad today – taken far too soon at just 53 years old, from complications following liver transplant(s). Despite not being a drinker, his body conspired to have a vital organ fail him. After the initial transplant in March left him weakened, the second surgery brought complications that even his relentless will to fight couldn’t overcome.

Chad and I were two of four brothers, closest in age, sharing the same small social, sports, and academic circles in our rural Massachusetts upbringing. That proximity naturally brought a lot of time together – and a lot of conflict. We spent most of our youth at war with each other. But that friction, over time, forged something stronger; our shared experience made it easy to connect, laugh, and open up as adults, and behave like true brothers. I’m so grateful to have had him as a friend in adulthood. I’ll miss his counsel, his humor, his support, and his steady company in whatever days I have ahead.

Anyone who knew Chad knew his great passion: basketball. A fundamental key to shooting a basketball is the follow-through. Without it, even the best aim often misses.

Few people followed through like my brother…

* He followed through on his dream — carving out a place in the game he loved. Despite never playing Division 1 ball, he became a Division 1 assistant coach at the University at Albany, a role he held for more than a decade. He helped lead the team through five America East Championships and five NCAA Tournaments, including a thrilling near 16-1 seed upset of UConn.

* He followed through with clients — helping other coaches earn their shot. Through the consultancy he founded, Capital Elite Agency, he guided them through every step, every opportunity, every interview, and every contract negotiation.

* He followed through for his friends and family — always dependable, always ready to listen, to laugh, to debate, or simply be present.

* He followed through as a father — showing up, teaching, guiding, cooking, cheering, and loving his kids: Declan, Brayden, and Madeline. He loved them unconditionally, as a parent should, and they were the center of everything he did. He was endlessly proud of the people they’re becoming, and I mourn most the days he so badly wanted to witness as they continue their journeys — though I know he’ll be with them, always.

* He followed through as a husband and partner. Chad was lucky to find Anna – steady, strong, and full of grace. Her grace has been on full display these past few months, as she weathered an unrelenting emotional roller coaster of hope and peril, improvement and setback. I can only hope that the enormity of her loss and the singular pain she feels is consoled in some small part by knowing how thankful he was for her companionship, love, and brave support throughout his life and as he battled toward the end. He would’ve done the same for her – or for anyone he loved – because that’s who he was. He always followed through.

* Even in death, he followed through — facing his final challenges with incredible strength and a determined will to live. He hoped and fought for the best, but prepared for the worst, making sure he did all he could to prepare and protect the people he loved should he have to depart.

Thanks for always following through, Chad. Now it’s our turn.

If you’re reading this; consider doing me a favor and go follow through on something – anything – today…in honor of my brother.

Rest in peace, with love.

Corey

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Chad O’Donnell, 53, of East Greenbush, NY, passed away on July 3, 2025, at Mount Sinai Transplant Center in New York City following complications from a liver transplant.

Born November 17, 1971, in Natick, Massachusetts, Chad was the son of the late Arthur and Nancy O’Donnell. A native of Mendon, he graduated from Springfield College in 1994 with a B.S. in Physical Education and began his coaching career while still an undergraduate as assistant at Worcester State College in 1993.

Over the next two decades, Chad worked as a coach and recruiter at Bryant University, Holy Cross, UNH, Robert Morris, and College of Charleston. In July 2004, he joined the University at Albany men’s basketball staff and was promoted to Associate Head Coach in August 2012. He was one of the few Division I assistant coaches who had not played at that level himself. During his 11-year tenure, the team won five America East championships and made five NCAA Tournament appearances. He was part of the 2005–06 Albany team that nearly shocked top-seeded UConn, leading 50–38 before ultimately fading down the stretch.

In 2019, Chad founded Capital Elite Agency, serving as its Director and advising over 80 college basketball coaches on career development, interviews, contract negotiations, and supportive consulting in order to help them achieve their dreams, as he had his.

Chad married Anna Tamborra on August 26, 2006. Together, they built a life in Troy and East Greenbush, NY, and raised three children: sons Declan and Brayden, and daughter Madeline.

He is survived by his wife, Anna; their children; his brothers and their spouses—Craig & Katie, Corey & Jeanne, and Casey & Liz—and numerous friends, colleagues, and coaches whom he inspired through his leadership and passion.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the William J. Rockefeller Funeral Home in Rensselaer (165 Columbia Tpke), NY, followed by a brief memorial service at 7:00 p.m., with cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to support the family at https://gofund.me/9030743e.

Chad’s warmth, mentorship, devotion to family, and love for the game of basketball touched countless lives. His legacy endures in the coaches he guided, the friends he supported, the family he cherished, and his relentless pursuit of excellence.

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