The Sacramento Kings made a surprising move on Friday, parting ways with head coach Mike Brown following a five-game losing streak. Brown held a 107-88 record during his tenure in Sacramento. He was pivotal in revitalizing the Kings but fell victim to the team’s recent struggles.
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone addressed the situation during a media session before the Nuggets’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. During a meeting with his coaching staff, Malone recounted how he learned about the firing.
“We’re going into a meeting this afternoon. I’m not on social media. I go into the meeting, and the coaches say, ‘You hear about Mike Brown?’ I said, ‘Why, what happened?’ They said he got fired. At first, I was really shocked and surprised. Then I caught myself. I said, ‘Why am I shocked and surprised?’” Malone said.
Mike Malone:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 28, 2024
“When you win, it's Fox and Sabonis, when you lose, it's on Mike Brown. That’s how it works… I’m not surprised he was fired because I was fired by the same person.”
(via @DNVR_Nuggets, h/t @HarrisonWind)pic.twitter.com/MlVGzXNJVA
“[I’m not] for two reasons. One, because as an NBA head coach, ultimately, you’re gonna get to blame. When they win, it’s gonna go to Sabonis and Fox, and when you lose, it’s gonna go to Mike Brown. That’s the way it works,” he added.
Steve Kerr Calls Mike Brown’s Firing As “Shocking”
Mike Brown’s tenure with the Sacramento Kings came to an abrupt end less than halfway through his third season. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr addressed the situation during a press conference. Kerr revealed that he had spoken with Brown earlier in the day.
“When you think about where that franchise was before Mike got there, where they’ve been the last couple years, the job he and his staff have done, it’s shocking,” Kerr said.
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Steve Kerr said he talked to Mike Brown today after the Kings let him go: “When you think about where that franchise was before Mike got there, where they’ve been the last couple years, the job he and his staff have done, it’s shocking.” pic.twitter.com/9IljjWN0Ys
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 28, 2024
Brown played a key role in transforming the Kings, helping them end the NBA’s longest-ever playoff drought, which lasted 16 seasons. The firing is particularly surprising as it comes just six months after Brown signed a contract extension to remain with the team through the 2026-27 season.
