Former Nuggets Coach Doug Moe Dies at 87

Moe was known for his high-scoring, up-tempo teams and led the Nuggets to the playoffs 9 straight seasons.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Doug Moe, the former head coach of the Denver Nuggets, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Moe was a legendary figure in Nuggets history, leading the team to the playoffs in 9 consecutive seasons and being named NBA Coach of the Year in 1987-88. He compiled a career record of 628-529 as a head coach in the NBA.

Why it matters

Moe was a pioneering coach who helped establish the Nuggets as one of the most exciting and high-scoring teams in the NBA during the 1980s. His up-tempo, fast-paced style of play was ahead of its time and influenced the modern NBA game. His passing marks the end of an era for the Nuggets franchise.

The details

Moe took over as Nuggets head coach in 1980 and led the team to the playoffs in 9 straight seasons, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 1985. His Nuggets teams led the NBA in scoring 6 times and his 432 wins as Nuggets coach rank second in franchise history. Moe was also named NBA Coach of the Year in 1987-88 and received the league's Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

  • Doug Moe passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Moe was the Nuggets head coach from 1980 to 1990.

The players

Doug Moe

The former head coach of the Denver Nuggets, known for his high-scoring, up-tempo teams that made the playoffs 9 straight seasons.

Michael Malone

The current head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who has the most wins in franchise history with 471.

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What’s next

The Nuggets organization is expected to hold a memorial service and tribute to honor Doug Moe's legacy in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Doug Moe's innovative and high-powered coaching style left an indelible mark on the Denver Nuggets franchise and the NBA as a whole. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence on the modern game will continue to be felt for years to come.