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Kings Bring Back Coach Doug Christie for Second Season
Despite team's dismal season, Sacramento retains head coach for 2027-28 campaign.
Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:45am
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The Kings' tumultuous season is reflected in a fragmented, cubist-inspired illustration that captures the team's struggles and the need for a fresh start.Today in SacramentoThe Sacramento Kings have decided to bring back Doug Christie as head coach for a second full season, according to a person familiar with the decision. Christie was initially hired on an interim basis in 2024-25 after the team fired Mike Brown, and he will now return for the second year of his contract, which includes a team option for 2027-28.
Why it matters
The Kings have struggled mightily in recent seasons, missing the playoffs for 20 of the past 21 years. Retaining Christie provides some stability for the organization as it looks to rebuild around a young core and potentially land a high draft pick in the upcoming lottery.
The details
This season was particularly difficult for the Kings, who had a league-worst 12-46 record in mid-February following a 16-game losing streak. Injuries to key players like Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and DeAndre Hunter derailed the campaign almost from the start. The team did show some life late in the season, going 10-14 the rest of the way, but still finished tied with Utah for the fourth-worst record in the league.
- Christie was initially hired on an interim basis after Mike Brown was fired early in the 2024-25 season.
- Sacramento went 27-24 the rest of the 2024-25 season before getting knocked out in the play-in tournament.
- The Kings hired Scott Perry as general manager after last season and made the decision to retain Christie.
The players
Doug Christie
The head coach of the Sacramento Kings, who will return for a second full season despite the team's dismal performance this year.
Mike Brown
The former head coach of the Sacramento Kings, who was fired early in the 2024-25 season.
Scott Perry
The general manager of the Sacramento Kings, who was hired after last season and made the decision to retain Doug Christie as head coach.
Domantas Sabonis
A key veteran player for the Sacramento Kings who missed significant time due to injury this season.
Zach LaVine
A key veteran player for the Sacramento Kings who missed significant time due to injury this season.
Keegan Murray
A key veteran player for the Sacramento Kings who missed significant time due to injury this season.
DeAndre Hunter
A key veteran player for the Sacramento Kings who missed significant time due to injury this season.
What they’re saying
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What’s next
The Kings will look to improve their roster through the upcoming NBA draft, where they have a 45.2% chance of picking in the top four.
The takeaway
The decision to retain Doug Christie as head coach provides stability for the Kings, but the team will need to find a way to get healthy and build around its young core if it hopes to end its long playoff drought.
