Sacramento Kings officials are moving forward with Doug Christie as their head coach for the upcoming season, despite a recent performance that fell short of organizational benchmarks. Sources indicate that a decision has been solidified to retain the 55-year-old, first-time head coach, a move that follows a season where the Kings finished with a 22-59 record. This confirmation comes as the team navigates broader organizational questions and speculation about their direction.
Coaching Tenure and Performance Metrics
Christie assumed interim coaching duties in late December 2025, following the dismissal of Mike Brown. Initially, the team saw a surge in performance, winning 20 of their first 31 games under Christie's guidance. This period was marked by the Kings ranking ninth in offensive efficiency and demonstrating strength in clutch-time situations, posting a 13-10 record compared to a 6-13 record earlier in the campaign under Brown. However, the latter part of the season saw a downturn, with the team finishing 7-13 in their final 20 games. Overall, Sacramento's record for the season stood at 27-24 under Christie, contributing to a final team record of 40-42.
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Personnel Considerations and Roster Flux
The retention of Christie coincides with ongoing evaluations of key players. Veteran guard DeMar DeRozan, who averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds across 77 games, is under contract for the next season. However, his long-term status with the team remains undecided. The Kings were reportedly engaged in trade discussions with the Toronto Raptors in February, with Jakob Poeltl's contract being a point of contention. More recently, the team acquired De’Andre Hunter from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder, a transaction that also saw Dario Saric moved to the Chicago Bulls. This period of roster adjustments adds a layer of flux to the team's strategic landscape.
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Coaching Staff Augmentations
In preparation for the 2025-26 season, the Kings have also made additions and promotions to Christie's coaching staff. Dipesh Mistry has been elevated to assistant coach/player development, entering his third season with the franchise. Will Scott will serve as a coaching assistant/advance scout, while Paul Jesperson will lead player development. The coaching unit also includes Jackson, who previously worked with Christie under former coach Rick Adelman and spent two years as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers, and Darnell, who arrives after a season as head coach of the Canton Charge, the Cleveland Cavaliers' G League affiliate.
Background: A Season of Transition
Doug Christie's appointment as interim head coach in December 2025 marked his first head coaching role. The decision to potentially remove the interim tag was reportedly influenced by factors beyond just the win-loss record, with front office officials weighing broader circumstances. The team's 21-59 record heading into the season's final stretch placed them 14th in the Western Conference standings, prompting scrutiny of the organization's overall direction. The contract finalization and staffing moves suggest a deliberate, albeit perhaps complex, strategy for the team's future.
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