Kings Retain Doug Christie as Head Coach

The Sacramento Kings will keep Doug Christie as their head coach despite a difficult 22-59 season.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping shapes in deep purple, royal blue, and burnt orange tones, capturing the dynamic energy and uncertainty of the Kings' season.The Kings' decision to retain Doug Christie as head coach reflects their desire for stability and continuity as they work to rebuild their roster and return to contention.Today in Sacramento

The Sacramento Kings have decided to retain Doug Christie as their head coach for the upcoming season, providing stability despite a challenging year filled with injuries and roster changes that led to a 22-59 record. Christie took over as interim head coach in late 2024 after the firing of Mike Brown and was later signed to a three-year deal.

Why it matters

The Kings' decision to keep Christie signals a commitment to continuity as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing season. Christie's familiarity with the organization and players could help provide a steadying presence as the roster continues to evolve under new general manager Scott Perry.

The details

The Kings finished the 2025-26 season with a 22-59 record, well below preseason expectations. However, the team faced significant hurdles, including injuries to key players like Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis, as well as roster instability following major moves like the trade of De'Aaron Fox. Despite the struggles, the Kings have decided to move forward with Christie as their head coach, believing he can provide the necessary leadership and stability to help the team improve.

  • In late December 2024, Doug Christie took over as the Kings' interim head coach after the firing of Mike Brown.
  • Last summer, Christie signed a three-year deal to become the Kings' permanent head coach.

The players

Doug Christie

The former Kings player and fan favorite who took over as the team's head coach on an interim basis in late 2024 and was later signed to a three-year deal.

Keegan Murray

A key player for the Kings who missed significant time due to injuries during the 2025-26 season.

Domantas Sabonis

Another important player for the Kings who dealt with injuries throughout the 2025-26 season.

Zach LaVine

A player the Kings acquired who also faced setbacks due to injuries during the 2025-26 campaign.

DeAndre Hunter

A player the Kings brought in who also dealt with injuries over the course of the 2025-26 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must remain committed to Doug and the long-term vision for this team. Despite the challenges, we believe he is the right person to lead us forward.”

— Scott Perry, Kings General Manager

What’s next

The Kings will look to build around their core players and continue to reshape the roster under new general manager Scott Perry as they aim to bounce back from a difficult 2025-26 season.

The takeaway

The Kings' decision to retain Doug Christie as head coach despite a tough year signals their belief in continuity and stability as they work to improve the team and get back to contending for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.