The Sacramento Kings have made a significant change in their coaching staff by parting ways with head coach Mike Brown. According to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania, this decision comes after a difficult stretch for the team, which has seen them lose five consecutive games and 12 of their last 17, placing them at the bottom of the Pacific Division with a record of 13-18.
In the wake of Brown’s dismissal, assistant coach Doug Christie has been named the interim head coach. The Kings are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers in their next game, which will be an opportunity for Christie to make an immediate impact.
The situation escalated following the Kings’ disappointing one-point loss to the Detroit Pistons, which was marred by a last-second four-point play. Brown’s firing occurred just after he conducted practice and addressed the media before the team departed for Los Angeles.
Mike Brown, 54, previously enjoyed significant success with the Kings, earning the title of Coach of the Year in 2023 for transforming the team from a 30-win season to a 48-34 record, ultimately leading them to a Pacific Division title. He had recently signed a lucrative three-year extension that placed him among the highest-paid coaches in the league. Over his tenure with the Kings, he recorded a 107-88 record and led the team through one playoff series.
Prior to his time in Sacramento, Brown coached the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers and accumulated an overall record of 454-304 throughout his career. His coaching experience also includes stints with multiple championship-winning teams, highlighting his deep knowledge of the game.
Doug Christie, now stepping into the role of interim head coach, joined the Kings’ coaching staff in 2021 after serving as an analyst for the team’s TV broadcasts and has a rich history with the franchise as a former player.
Despite the challenges the Kings are currently facing, this change in coaching could signal a fresh start for the organization. With Doug Christie at the helm, there’s hope that the team can find new momentum and turn their season around. Fans and players alike may see this as an opportunity for growth and revitalization as they navigate through this tough period.