Former Nuggets Coach Doug Moe Dies at 87

Moe won 1988 NBA Coach of the Year, led Nuggets to 9 playoff appearances

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Doug Moe, the former head coach of the Denver Nuggets who won NBA Coach of the Year in 1988 and led the team to 9 playoff appearances, has died at the age of 87. Moe spent 10 seasons as Nuggets head coach, compiling a 432-357 record and helping the team become one of the NBA's top offenses during his tenure.

Why it matters

Moe is considered one of the most influential and successful coaches in Nuggets history, leading the team to sustained success in the 1980s and early 1990s. His up-tempo, high-scoring style of play made the Nuggets one of the most entertaining teams to watch during that era.

The details

Moe first joined the Nuggets as an assistant coach after a four-year stint as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. He was promoted to Nuggets head coach ahead of the 1980-81 season and proceeded to lead the team to 9 playoff appearances over the next 10 years, including a trip to the 1985 Western Conference Finals. Moe's 432 coaching wins with the Nuggets rank second on the franchise's all-time leaderboard.

  • Moe spent 10 seasons as Nuggets head coach from 1980-81 to 1989-90.
  • He was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1988.
  • Moe later returned to the Nuggets as an assistant coach from 2003 to 2008.

The players

Doug Moe

Former head coach of the Denver Nuggets who won NBA Coach of the Year in 1988 and led the team to 9 playoff appearances during his 10-year tenure.

Denver Nuggets

NBA franchise that Moe coached for 10 seasons, leading them to sustained success and an entertaining, high-scoring style of play in the 1980s and early 1990s.

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What they’re saying

“The Denver Nuggets organization was devastated to learn of the passing of legendary coach Doug Moe. Coach Moe was a one of a kind leader and person who spearheaded one of the most successful and exciting decades in Nuggets history. He will forever be loved and remembered by Nuggets fans and his banner commemorating his 432 career victories as head coach will hang in the rafters to forever honor his incredible legacy.”

— The Denver Nuggets (Denver Nuggets)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

Doug Moe's tenure as Nuggets head coach is remembered as one of the most successful and entertaining eras in franchise history, as he led the team to sustained success through an up-tempo, high-scoring style of play that made them must-watch TV in the 1980s.