After a year below expectations, the Sacramento Kings unveil their plans for the upcoming season.

The Sacramento Kings have announced significant changes to their coaching staff, with Doug Christie set to take the helm as head coach for the next season. The team’s objective is to resuscitation after a year that fell short of expectations.

Coaching Duo to Lead Kings

In addition to Christie, the Californian franchise has decided to bolster the coaching staff with the addition of veteran Mike Woodson as an associate head coach for the 2025/26 NBA season.

Longtime NBA coach Mike Woodson has agreed on a deal to become associate head coach for the Sacramento Kings under Doug Christie, sources tell ESPN. Woodson spent the last four years as coach of Indiana University. He brings three decades of coaching experience to Kings staff.

Woodson, 67, brings an impressive resume to the Kings, having served as head coach for the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks, with a combined record of 315-365. Before his head coaching roles, Woodson spent several years as an assistant coach in the NBA, working with successful teams like the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks. Woodson also recently completed a four-year stint coaching his alma mater, Indiana University, in the NCAA.

Coaching Challenge: Integrating DeRozan and Lavine

One of the key challenges facing Christie and Woodson will be integrating All-Star tandem DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, who joined forces last offseason.

Doug Christie:

Former NBA player, 18-year career, 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2004, 2005), head coach at Cal State Sacramento since 2021.

Mike Woodson:

26-year NBA coaching career, 315-365 record as head coach, 3× NBA All-Star Game head coach (2006, 2010, 2012).

Next Steps for the Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings will now shift their focus to offseason preparations, including free agency and the upcoming NBA draft, as they work towards reviving their fortunes under the guidance of Christie and Woodson.