Darren Erman got the nickname "Baby Thibodeau" from Rajon Rondo while working as an assistant with the Boston Celtics. Rondo, who played under both Tom Thibodeau and Erman from 2007 to 2010, would be uniquely qualified to offer such an assessment. Erman lives and breathes defense, even if he lacks the gorgeous baritone of Thibodeau shouting "ICE ICE ICE" from the sideline.
Erman was hired by the New Orleans Pelicans to be the defensive coordinator under head coach Alvin Gentry. During media days Pelican players raved about his simplified scheme with just three calls.