Brooklyn-Born NBA Coaching Legend Doug Moe Dies at 87

Moe spent a decade as head coach of the Denver Nuggets, leading the team to nine straight playoff appearances.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Doug Moe, a legendary NBA coach who grew up in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, has died at the age of 87. Moe spent 10 seasons as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, leading the team to nine consecutive playoff appearances and setting the franchise record for most wins until it was broken in 2024. Moe credited his time playing basketball in Brooklyn as a youth for shaping his understanding of the game.

Why it matters

Moe was a beloved figure in Denver, where he coached the Nuggets during the franchise's most successful period. His passing marks the end of an era for the Nuggets and the NBA, as Moe was one of the last remaining links to the league's early days in the ABA.

The details

Moe grew up playing basketball at Foster Park in Brooklyn's Flatbush neighborhood, which he credited for developing his basketball IQ. He went on to have a successful playing career in the ABA, winning a championship with the Oakland Oaks in 1969. Moe then transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant under Larry Brown before becoming the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in 1976. He took over the Nuggets in 1980 and led the team to nine straight playoff appearances, winning 432 games - a franchise record until it was broken in 2024. After leaving the Nuggets in 1990, Moe had a brief stint as the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1992 before returning to Denver as a special consultant and assistant coach from 2002-2008.

  • Moe grew up playing basketball at Foster Park in Brooklyn's Flatbush neighborhood in his youth.
  • Moe won a championship with the Oakland Oaks in the ABA in 1969.
  • Moe became the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in 1976.
  • Moe took over as head coach of the Denver Nuggets in 1980 and led the team for 10 seasons.
  • Moe returned to the Nuggets as a special consultant and assistant coach from 2002-2008.

The players

Doug Moe

A Brooklyn-born NBA coaching legend who spent 10 seasons as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, leading the team to nine consecutive playoff appearances and setting the franchise record for most wins until it was broken in 2024.

Larry Brown

Moe's former University of North Carolina teammate who hired Moe as an assistant coach with the ABA Carolina Cougars in 1972, kickstarting Moe's coaching career.

Bill Hanzlik

A former Nuggets player who paid tribute to Moe on social media following his passing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“After school and on Saturdays, we would play there until dark. I would play against guys a lot older and they would beat the heck out of me. But I learned a lot.”

— Doug Moe (New York Times)

“It's a sad day in Denver. Just learned one of the Absolute Best, Doug Moe has passed away peacefully holding the hand of his wife Jane Moe this morning. God Bless you BIG STIFF from your No Hoper Hanz.”

— Bill Hanzlik, Former Nuggets player (X)

The takeaway

Moe's passing marks the end of an era for the Denver Nuggets and the NBA, as he was one of the last remaining links to the league's early days in the ABA. His success in Denver and his Brooklyn roots made him a beloved figure, and his legacy will continue to inspire players and coaches for years to come.