Winning and defense have been two of the biggest problems for the Kings over the course of their NBA-record 16-year playoff drought. They think Mike Brown can help them in both areas.
The Kings officially announced Monday they have hired Brown, 52, as their new head coach. General manager Monte McNair issued a statement lauding Brown for his defensive mindset, experience and record of success.
“Mike has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead winning teams throughout his long and successful coaching career,” McNair said in a news release. “He has worked with some of the best players in the NBA and is one of the league’s premier defensive minds. I am excited to bring his extensive experience to Sacramento.”
The Kings made the formal announcement after reaching an agreement on a four-year deal with Brown on Sunday. Brown is in his sixth season as associate head coach of the Warriors, where he serves as Steve Kerr’s top assistant.
Brown will remain with the Warriors through the end of their playoff run, sources told The Sacramento Bee. The Kings will schedule an introductory news conference for Brown after the Warriors conclude their season.
Brown has a 347-216 (.616) record with six playoff appearances in eight seasons as a head coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. He went to the NBA Finals as a head coach with the Cavaliers and served as an assistant for NBA championship teams with the San Antonio Spurs (2003) and Warriors (2017, 2018).
The Kings hired Brown from a candidate pool that included Brooklyn Nets coaching consultant Steve Clifford; New Orleans Pelicans coaching advisor Mike D’Antoni; Milwaukee Bucks assistants Darvin Ham and Charles Lee; ESPN analyst Mark Jackson; and Boston Celtics assistant Will Hardy. Brown, Jackson and Clifford came to Sacrament to interview for the job last week after being selected as finalists.
Brown started his coaching career as an assistant under Bernie Bickerstaff with the Washington Wizards from 1997-99. He worked under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio from 2000-03 and Rick Carlisle with the Indiana Pacers from 2003-05.
Brown later served as head coach of the Cavaliers and Lakers. He has coached several NBA stars over the years, including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
Brown has a longstanding reputation as one of the game’s best defensive coaches. The Warriors finished second in the NBA this season in defensive rating (106.6), second in opponent field-goal percentage (.438) and third in opponent points per game (105.5).
Kerr was asked about the Kings’ decision to hire Brown on Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game.
“I don’t even know where to begin,” Kerr said. “What Mike has done for me, this organization in his six years here … He’s an amazing coach, friend. Sacramento made a great choice.”
