Doug Christie is set to officially become the next full-time head coach of the Sacramento Kings, with the franchise finalizing a multiyear deal to remove his interim tag, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The decision brings stability to a franchise that experienced a midseason coaching change and now aims to restore momentum after a disappointing end to the 2024–25 campaign.
Christie, 54, took over in late December following the dismissal of Mike Brown and led the Kings to a 27–24 record over the final 51 games of the season. During his tenure, the Kings saw measurable improvements in several key areas.
They ranked ninth in offensive efficiency and went 13–10 in clutch-time games, a major turnaround from the 6–13 mark they posted in close contests under Brown earlier in the year.
Despite finishing the season with a 7–13 skid that culminated in a blowout home loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the play-in tournament, Christie impressed ownership and new general manager Scott Perry with his leadership, poise, and connection to the roster. According to ESPN, Christie will have the opportunity to restructure his coaching staff this offseason, as he had inherited Brown’s assistant team midseason.
This appointment marks a full-circle moment for Christie, who has been part of the Kings family for decades. He played in Sacramento for five seasons from 2000 to 2005, where he was a defensive stalwart during one of the franchise’s most competitive eras.
He earned four consecutive NBA All-Defensive Team selections while helping the Kings become a perennial playoff team in the early 2000s.
After retiring from the NBA in 2007, Christie worked in broadcasting before rejoining the Kings organization as an assistant coach in 2021. His tenure on the bench has been marked by a strong rapport with players and a growing reputation as a steady presence, particularly amid the turmoil of the 2024–25 season.
The Kings’ decision to retain Christie also reflects their desire for continuity. After the firing of Monte McNair, Sacramento brought in longtime NBA executive Scott Perry to lead basketball operations.
While this will be Christie’s first head coaching job at any level, the Kings are betting on his experience, cultural fit, and understanding of the franchise’s identity to guide the team forward. His deep ties to the city and organization only strengthen his position as the leader of this new era.
Christie now faces the challenge of turning a once-promising Kings squad back into a legitimate playoff contender. But after surviving a turbulent season, building trust within the locker room, and showing growth in a short stint, he’ll have the full backing of the franchise to do so. Sacramento fans, who remember his playing days fondly, now get to watch one of their own take the reins, officially.
