Getty

Kings have decided to keep Doug Christie as head coach for next season

The Sacramento Kings have made a key organizational decision as they turn the page on a difficult 2025-26 season, choosing continuity over change at the head coaching position. After months of speculation about Doug Christie’s future, the franchise has opted to retain him heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

Christie, who took over as interim head coach in December 2024 following the dismissal of Mike Brown, will remain in charge, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. The decision comes despite a 22–59 finish that left Sacramento near the bottom of the standings and outside playoff contention. Team leadership cited broader roster challenges and injury setbacks as major factors in evaluating Christie’s first full season.

The move signals a commitment to stability as the Kings continue a roster transition that includes recent trades, front office changes, and a focus on long-term development. As Amick wrote, “the decision has been made to continue forward with the 55-year-old, first-time head coach,” with the organization believing the circumstances of the season limited a fair assessment of his performance.

Doug Christie Retained by Sacramento Kings After Challenging Season

Sacramento Kings Head coach Doug Christie

Christie’s tenure began under difficult conditions. After taking over midseason in 2024-25, he entered his first full campaign with a roster already undergoing change.

Sacramento struggled from the outset. The team held a 12-46 record by February 21, the worst mark in the league at that point, before closing the season on a slightly improved 10-13 run. Christie’s combined record as interim and full-time head coach now stands at 49-83.

According to Amick, team decision-makers viewed the results within the context of significant roster instability. The Kings were impacted by the February 2025 trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, a move that reshaped the roster and required further adjustments.

Injuries also played a major role. Key contributors, including Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeAndre Hunter, all missed extended time during the season. Sabonis, in particular, underwent season-ending meniscus surgery in mid-February.

Those factors contributed to the organization’s belief that Christie “deserves more time to prove himself in the position,” as Amick noted. The Kings will continue evaluating him into next season rather than making an immediate coaching change.

Sacramento Kings Roster Plans Shape Decision on Doug Christie

GettySacramento Kings Head coach Doug Christie

The Kings’ decision to retain Christie is closely tied to ongoing roster development and front office changes. The franchise brought in veteran executive Scott Perry as general manager during the season, signaling a broader restructuring effort.

Sacramento is expected to remain active in trade discussions this offseason. Amick reported that talks involving several veteran players could resume, including Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, and DeMar DeRozan.

Financial considerations are also part of the equation. LaVine is expected to exercise his $48.9 million player option for next season, while Sabonis is owed approximately $94 million over the next two years. Monk and DeRozan both have contract structures that provide flexibility depending on the team’s direction.

The Kings previously engaged in trade discussions with the Toronto Raptors involving Sabonis but declined to take on Jakob Poeltl’s contract, according to Amick. Similar conversations are expected to continue as the team looks to reshape its roster.

At the same time, Sacramento is preparing for the upcoming NBA Draft, with the franchise holding strong lottery positioning after finishing tied for the fourth-worst record in the league. The addition of another young prospect is expected to be part of the team’s long-term plan.

For now, the focus remains on continuity. Christie will enter next season with a clearer mandate as the Kings shift from evaluation to progression.

The organization’s decision reflects a belief that coaching stability, combined with roster adjustments and improved health, can provide a more accurate measure of the team’s direction moving forward.