Kings to Keep Doug Christie as Head Coach for 2026-27 Season
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The Sacramento Kings will bring back head coach Doug Christie for the 2026-27 campaign despite finishing this season 22-59, team sources told ESPN on Sunday.
Christie, 55, took over on an interim basis in December 2024 after the dismissal of Mike Brown. When Scott Perry became general manager last summer, he signed Christie to a three-year contract and removed the interim tag.
Injuries derailed Christie’s first full season in charge. Starting forward Keegan Murray suffered a torn thumb ligament during the preseason, and center Domantas Sabonis sustained a partial meniscus tear in November. Sacramento opened 3-13 and slid to 12-46 before shifting toward a youth-focused rotation.
Sabonis appeared in only 19 games before undergoing season-ending surgery. Veteran guard Zach LaVine was limited to 39 games because of right-hand surgery.
Over the past 23 contests, the Kings have posted a 10-13 record while emphasizing development. Rookie centers Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell, along with first-round pick Nique Clifford, have drawn praise from team officials who believe the roster never had a chance to play at full strength.
The recent improvement moved Sacramento from the league’s worst record to a tie with the Utah Jazz for fourth worst entering Sunday’s regular-season finale. The franchise will learn its exact draft position on May 10, when it is guaranteed a top-eight selection in a deep class.
Source: ESPN
