San Antonio Spurs Honor Legendary Coach Doug Moe

The franchise pays tribute to its first NBA head coach who passed away at 87.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Antonio Spurs honored legendary coach Doug Moe, who served as the franchise's first NBA head coach, after he passed away at the age of 87 in his San Antonio home following an illness. Moe coached the Spurs from 1976 to 1980 and is remembered for his innovative offensive strategies and up-tempo style of play.

Why it matters

Moe was a pioneering NBA coach who helped establish the Spurs' identity in their early years as a franchise. His fast-paced, high-scoring teams laid the foundation for the Spurs' later success and championship runs under coaches like Gregg Popovich. Honoring Moe's legacy is an important way for the franchise to pay tribute to its roots and the coaches who shaped the team's early development.

The details

The Spurs held a moment of silence before their game against the Los Angeles Lakers to honor Moe. The team also wore a commemorative patch on their jerseys for the remainder of the season. Additionally, the Spurs will host a special tribute night later in the year to celebrate Moe's life and coaching career.

  • Doug Moe passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 87.
  • The Spurs held a moment of silence before their game against the Lakers on February 20, 2026.
  • The Spurs will host a special tribute night to honor Doug Moe later in the 2025-26 NBA season.

The players

Doug Moe

Moe was the first head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, serving from 1976 to 1980. He is remembered for his innovative offensive strategies and up-tempo style of play that laid the foundation for the Spurs' later success.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Spurs plan to unveil a permanent tribute to Doug Moe, such as a statue or banner, at their home arena later this year.

The takeaway

The Spurs' decision to honor Doug Moe, their first NBA head coach, highlights the importance of recognizing the pioneers and early architects of a franchise's history. Moe's legacy continues to shape the Spurs' identity and approach to the game, even decades later.