The Sacramento Kings are hiring veteran coach Mike Woodson as associate head coach under Doug Christie for the 2025–26 season, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The move follows a report by The Athletic’s Sam Amick that Woodson was a top target for the role.
Woodson, a former Kings player from their Kansas City and early Sacramento days (1982–86), brings decades of coaching experience. He most recently spent four years as head coach at Indiana University, his alma mater, where he led the Hoosiers to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
In the NBA, Woodson has held various assistant roles and was head coach of the Hawks (2004–10) and Knicks (2012–14), compiling a 315–365 regular-season record and five playoff appearances. He also contributed to the Pistons’ 2004 championship run as an assistant.
Doug Christie, who recently signed a multi-year deal to become the Kings’ permanent head coach, is overhauling his bench staff. Woodson is his first official hire, with several assistants reportedly not returning. Leandro Barbosa is expected to remain with the team.
Bringing in an experienced coach like Woodson could be a pivotal move as the Kings look to solidify their direction and support Christie’s leadership.
Kings Hiring Mike Woodson As Associate Head Coach https://t.co/i2P8tPqb8m pic.twitter.com/OziXk79ckc
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 7, 2025
