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5 Shocking Facts About Jayson Tatum’s Dad, Justin Tatum: From 'Tough Love' To NBL Head Coach

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Justin Tatum, the father of Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, has been making headlines across the globe, but not just for his famous son. As of late December 2025, Justin Tatum has firmly established himself as a successful professional basketball coach, currently holding the permanent Head Coach position for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). This recent career success in the NBL, coupled with candid revelations about his 'tough love' parenting style, has brought a new level of scrutiny and interest to the man who helped shape one of the NBA's biggest talents.

The story of Jayson Tatum’s upbringing is often centered on his powerhouse mother, Brandy Cole-Barnes, but Justin Tatum’s presence—both as a father and a demanding coach—is an equally crucial, and often complex, part of the narrative. From his own playing days in St. Louis to winning championships in high school and now leading a professional team, Justin Tatum’s life is a testament to dedication, though it came with a significant cost to his relationship with his son.

Justin Tatum: Complete Biography and Profile

Justin Tatum is an American professional basketball coach and former player who has recently gained international recognition as the Head Coach of the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL. His career spans over two decades, transitioning from a collegiate player to one of the most successful high school coaches in Missouri state history before moving to the professional ranks in Australia. He is the father of NBA star Jayson Tatum, whom he raised alongside his mother, Brandy Cole-Barnes, in St. Louis.

  • Full Name: Justin Tatum
  • Date of Birth: March 10, 1979
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 46
  • Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Current Role: Head Coach, Illawarra Hawks (NBL, Australia)
  • Professional Status: Signed a three-year contract with the Hawks
  • Former Role: High School Head Coach (16 years, 3 State Championships)
  • Education: Attended Christian Brothers College High School; Played college basketball at Saint Louis University (SLU) and the University of Toledo
  • Children: Jayson Tatum (NBA Player), Jaycob Tatum (Son), Kayden Tatum (Daughter)
  • Notable Relationships: Brandy Cole-Barnes (Jayson Tatum’s mother); Larry Hughes (NBA veteran and close friend/godfather to Jayson)
  • Career Highlights: 4x Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) Coach of the Year; Led Illawarra Hawks to NBL Finals contention; NBL Coach of the Year candidate.

The Illawarra Hawks Turnaround and NBA Aspirations

The most significant and current news about Justin Tatum is his dramatic success as a professional coach in the Australian NBL. After a long and highly decorated career as a high school coach in St. Louis, where he amassed a record of 278 wins and 132 losses over 16 years and secured three state championships, Tatum made the leap to the professional level.

He initially joined the Illawarra Hawks as a North American scout and special advisor before being elevated to the Assistant Coach role. The real turning point came when he took over as the interim Head Coach. Under his leadership, the Hawks underwent a remarkable turnaround, surging into playoff contention and establishing themselves as a top-six side in the league.

This success led to the Illawarra Hawks appointing Justin Tatum as their permanent Head Coach on a three-year deal. His ability to transform the team’s performance was not just noticed by fans, but by the league itself, positioning him as a strong candidate for the NBL Coach of the Year award.

This professional ascent has fueled his ultimate goal: coaching in the NBA. Justin Tatum has been vocal about his aspirations, viewing his time in the NBL as a crucial step toward eventually joining his son in the world’s premier basketball league.

The Complex 'Tough Love' Relationship with Jayson Tatum

While Justin Tatum is celebrated for his coaching success, his relationship with Jayson Tatum is far more nuanced and has been a subject of intense curiosity for fans. The dynamic was famously characterized by "tough love," a philosophy that Jayson has openly discussed in interviews, revealing the emotional toll it took on their bond.

Justin Tatum was a constant fixture in Jayson's basketball life from a young age, often serving as his coach. Jayson Tatum candidly confessed that having his father as his coach prevented them from having what he considered a "real father-son relationship."

The pressure and intensity of the coaching relationship were so high that Jayson once recalled a painful internal question: "Did my father even like me?" This revelation highlights the strain that Justin’s demanding, basketball-centric approach put on their personal connection. Justin Tatum senior, in his defense, later acknowledged that he didn't realize his toughness was straining the relationship with his son.

Despite the challenges, the foundation of this tough love was built on a desire to see Jayson succeed, a goal they both ultimately achieved. The relationship has reportedly softened and matured as Jayson grew into a man and a father himself to Deuce Tatum. Justin Tatum now frequently offers public praise and appreciation for his son’s career through social media, reflecting a shift from coach to supportive father.

The St. Louis Basketball Brotherhood and Larry Hughes

A lesser-known but vital aspect of Justin Tatum’s life is his deep connection to the St. Louis basketball community, which directly influenced Jayson's career. Justin Tatum attended Christian Brothers College High School, where he was a teammate and close friend of former NBA star Larry Hughes.

This friendship is so strong that Larry Hughes is Jayson Tatum's godfather. The relationship between Justin Tatum, Larry Hughes, and Jayson created a powerful mentorship network from Jayson's earliest days. Hughes served as a guiding figure and a professional example for Jayson, a role that was only possible due to Justin Tatum’s lifelong bond with the NBA veteran. This St. Louis brotherhood is a crucial entity in the Tatum family story, providing Jayson with access to elite basketball knowledge and connections from a very young age.

Furthermore, the Tatum family story is incomplete without acknowledging Jayson's mother, Brandy Cole-Barnes. She was just 19 years old when Jayson was born and worked multiple jobs while pursuing her education to raise him as a single mother. Brandy Cole-Barnes is now a practicing attorney and businesswoman in St. Louis, embodying the resilience that Jayson often credits for his success.

The combined influence of Justin Tatum’s demanding coaching, Brandy Cole-Barnes’s unwavering support, and the mentorship of his godfather, Larry Hughes, formed the unique and powerful foundation upon which Jayson Tatum's Duke University and subsequent NBA career was built.

jayson tatum dad
jayson tatum dad

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