Former NBA Coach of the Year Doug Moe dies at 85

Moe led the Denver Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals in 1985 and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1987-88.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 12:31pm

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Former Denver Nuggets head coach and NBA Coach of the Year Doug Moe has died at the age of 85, the Nuggets organization announced on Tuesday. Moe coached the Nuggets for 10 seasons from 1980 to 1990, compiling a 432-298 record and leading the team to the Western Conference Finals in 1985.

Why it matters

Moe was a beloved figure in Denver and is considered one of the most successful and influential coaches in Nuggets history. His high-scoring, up-tempo style of play helped define the Nuggets' identity during the 1980s and inspired generations of basketball fans.

The details

Moe coached four seasons in the ABA before coaching 21 seasons in the NBA, including 15 as a head coach for the Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers. He compiled a 628-529 career record, including 432 of those wins in his 10 seasons with the Nuggets from 1980-90. Moe was named the NBA Coach of the Year during the 1987-88 season, when he led Denver to an NBA-best 54-28 record.

  • Doug Moe coached the Denver Nuggets from 1980 to 1990.
  • Moe was named NBA Coach of the Year in the 1987-88 season.

The players

Doug Moe

Former head coach of the Denver Nuggets who was known for his high-scoring, up-tempo style of play and led the team to the Western Conference Finals in 1985.

David Moe

The son of Doug Moe, who said his father died after a long bout with cancer.

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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.”

— Denver Nuggets (X)

“He will forever be loved and remembered by Nuggets fans and his banner commemorating his 432 career victories as Nuggets head coach will hang in the rafters to forever honor his incredible legacy.”

— Denver Nuggets (X)

The takeaway

Doug Moe's legacy as one of the most successful and influential coaches in Denver Nuggets history will live on, as the team plans to honor him by hanging a banner commemorating his 432 career wins with the franchise in the Nuggets' arena.