Sacramento Kings Retain Head Coach Doug Christie Despite Dismal Season

The decision to keep Christie signals a shift in the team's priorities towards player development and a long-term vision.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Sacramento Kings have decided to retain head coach Doug Christie for another season, despite the team finishing with the worst record in the Western Conference at 22-59. The move comes as a surprise, but the team's management believes Christie can nurture the team's young talent, even if the overall record remains poor.

Why it matters

This decision suggests the Kings are focused on player development and a long-term vision, rather than immediate wins and losses. It's a bold move that could pay off if the team's young core, including rookies like Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell, and Nique Clifford, can blossom under Christie's guidance.

The details

Christie took over as interim head coach in December 2024 after Mike Brown's departure and was then given a three-year deal by new GM Scott Perry. This past season was a brutal one for the Kings, as they were ravaged by injuries to key players like Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis early on, and then Zach LaVine also succumbed to season-ending surgery. However, in the latter part of the season, as the Kings pivoted towards a youth movement, they actually showed some fight, going 10-13 in their last 23 games.

  • The Kings' decision to retain Christie comes just ahead of the NBA Draft Lottery on May 10th.
  • Christie took over as interim head coach in December 2024 after Mike Brown's departure.

The players

Doug Christie

The head coach of the Sacramento Kings, who was retained for another season despite the team's dismal 22-59 record.

Keegan Murray

A key player for the Sacramento Kings who was injured for much of the season.

Domantas Sabonis

Another key player for the Sacramento Kings who was injured for much of the season.

Zach LaVine

The Sacramento Kings player who succumbed to a season-ending surgery.

Maxime Raynaud

A rookie for the Sacramento Kings who emerged as a bright spot in the latter part of the season.

Dylan Cardwell

A rookie for the Sacramento Kings who emerged as a bright spot in the latter part of the season.

Nique Clifford

A rookie for the Sacramento Kings who emerged as a bright spot in the latter part of the season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This decision suggests the Kings are focused on player development and a long-term vision, rather than immediate wins and losses.”

— Custom Mapper Poster, Author

What’s next

The real test for Christie and the Kings will be next season. Can he translate the late-season spark into consistent performance, and can this young core truly develop into a playoff contender?

The takeaway

The Kings' decision to retain Doug Christie despite a dismal season signals a shift in the team's priorities towards player development and a long-term vision. While it's a bold move that raises eyebrows, it could pay off if the team's young core can blossom under Christie's guidance.