Doug Christie Named Head Coach of the Sacramento Kings on Multi-Year Deal
Sacramento, CA – In a significant move aimed at solidifying the team’s leadership and building on recent progress, the Sacramento Kings have officially named Doug Christie as their head coach. The announcement, made early Thursday morning, confirms that Christie, who served as interim coach for part of the 2024–25 season, has signed a multi-year contract to lead the team moving forward.
Christie, a former Kings player and longtime assistant coach, stepped into the interim role following the mid-season departure of Mike Brown. Under Christie’s leadership, the team saw improved chemistry and renewed defensive effort, sparking a late-season push that impressed both fans and front office executives.
Kings General Manager Monte McNair praised Christie’s impact, saying, “Doug brought a fresh energy and strong leadership to the locker room when we needed it most. His deep connection with our players, his commitment to development, and his understanding of Sacramento’s basketball culture made this an easy decision.”
Christie played for the Kings from 2000 to 2005 during the franchise’s peak playoff years and later returned as a broadcaster before joining the coaching staff in 2021. He quickly became a respected voice on the bench, known for his defensive acumen, clear communication, and ability to relate to both young players and veterans.
“I’m honored and humbled to be named head coach of the Sacramento Kings,” Christie said during the press conference. “This city means everything to me. I’ve worn this jersey, I’ve called games for this team, and I’ve coached these players. I believe in what we’re building, and I’m ready to lead us into the future.”
Christie takes over a team with rising expectations. Led by All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox and forward Domantas Sabonis, the Kings are looking to return to the playoffs consistently after snapping their 16-year postseason drought in 2023. Christie’s challenge will be guiding a talented roster to the next level in the hyper-competitive Western Conference.
Players have expressed strong support for Christie. Fox, in a social media post, wrote, “Coach Doug earned this. He knows what it takes, and we’re ready to ride with him.” Sabonis echoed the sentiment, noting Christie’s emphasis on accountability and trust.
While specific terms of the contract were not disclosed, sources close to the organization report that the deal spans three years, with team options in the later stages. The Kings are expected to finalize Christie’s coaching staff in the coming weeks, potentially retaining key assistants from last season while adding new voices to complement his vision.
The move signals a commitment to continuity, culture, and homegrown leadership for a franchise eager to take the next step. For Kings fans, many of whom remember Christie’s gritty playing days during the early 2000s, the hire is both a nod to the past and a bet on a promising future.
With training camp just months away, all eyes will now be on how Christie shapes the Kings’ identity — one that blends Sacramento’s deep basketball roots with a modern, winning formula.
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