The Sacramento Kings have dismissed head coach Mike Brown after a disappointing stretch.
The decision follows the Kings’ five-game losing streak during a homestand, leaving the team at 12th in the Western Conference standings.
Assistant coach Doug Christie is expected to assume the role of interim head coach as the Kings seek to reverse their fortunes this season.
A Rocky Season
Currently sitting at a 13-18 record, Sacramento is three games out of the playoff race. Their latest setback—a 114-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday—saw the Kings squander a 19-point third-quarter lead, adding to the mounting frustration.
Mike Brown’s Storied Career
Mike Brown, 54, has built a notable career in basketball. Internationally, he coached Nigeria’s D’Tigers at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, solidifying his reputation as a global basketball strategist.
In the NBA, Brown has an extensive résumé. He previously served as head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers. His success as associate head coach of the Golden State Warriors stands out, where he played a crucial role in the team’s dominance.
The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers in back-to-back NBA Finals in 2017 and 2018 and secured another championship by overcoming the Boston Celtics in the 2022 Finals. Brown joined the Sacramento Kings later that year.
Recent Success and Struggles
In 2023, Brown was named NBA Coach of the Year after leading the Kings to their first playoff appearance in 16 years. This achievement earned him a three-year contract extension, but the team’s inability to build on last season’s success led to his dismissal.
Mike Brown gave this interview about dealing with adversity and was literally fired moments later. pic.twitter.com/whqLoWIl7z
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) December 27, 2024
The Road Ahead for the Kings
As Doug Christie steps into the interim head coaching role, the Kings face an uphill battle to turn their season around. For Mike Brown, the move marks the end of a brief but impactful tenure in Sacramento.
