Doug Christie is expected to return as head coach of the Sacramento Kings for the 2026-27 season, according to multiple media reports Sunday.
On Sunday, Christie closes out the first season of a three-year contract he signed with Sacramento on May 1. The Kings (22-59) enter the final day of the regular season tied with Utah for the worst record in the Western Conference and the fourth-worst showing in the NBA.
The former Kings guard became the Kings’ interim coach on Dec. 27, 2024, when Mike Brown was fired. The interim tag was removed last May when he signed the three-year deal, which reportedly has two years guaranteed at approximately $2 million per year.
Christie, 55, played five of his 15 NBA seasons in Sacramento, appearing in more games for the Kings (355) than any of his six other organizations during a career that spanned from 1992-2007. He averaged 10.6 points, 4.3 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals with the Kings, and has compiled a 49-83 coaching record with Sacramento.
