Former Chicago White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper has died at age 70. Cooper died on September 22, 2026, at his home in Brentwood, Tennessee, according to his family. His family announced the death on social media the following day, while the White Sox also confirmed his passing.
The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Cooper’s biggest chapter in Chicago came with the 2005 White Sox. Humber threw a perfect game for Chicago in 2012. Because it was the White Sox’s first World Series title since 1917, that championship was especially important for the franchise.
During that postseason, Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Freddy Garcia and Jose Contreras each pitched complete games in four straight American League Championship Series games against the Los Angeles Angels. Chicago then defeated the Houston Astros to win the World Series. Cooper also worked with several notable pitchers during his long tenure, including Chris Sale, Mark Buehrle and Philip Humber.
Cooper spent 33 seasons with the White Sox organisation and served as the team’s major-league pitching coach for 18 full seasons. He was part of the staff that helped Chicago win the 2005 World Series, ending the franchise’s long wait for a championship. Funeral arrangements had also not been announced as of September 23. Cooper joined the White Sox organisation in 1988 after ending his playing career. He had made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins in 1981 and also played for the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees. He later worked his way through Chicago’s coaching system before becoming the major-league pitching coach in July 2002. The White Sox paid tribute to Cooper, remembering his 33 seasons with the organisation and his role with the 2005 championship team. Cooper left the White Sox after the 2020 season following 33 seasons with the organisation.
At the time, MLB reported that he was the longest-tenured pitching coach in the league.
Cooper’s family said he died peacefully at his home but did not give a cause of death. “Forever in our thoughts,” the team wrote in its statement. The family described his love for baseball and the people around him, while also highlighting the importance of his family and friends.
