Doug Christie’s Kings Future: Can he earn an extension this season?

Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie enters the 2026-27 season coaching for more than wins and losses.

With just one guaranteed year remaining on his contract, the former Kings guard and current head coach faces an uphill climb to earn an extension, according to Sactown Sports’ Carmichael Dave and Jason Ross.

The duo agreed that Christie’s situation is complicated by timing as much as performance.

“I think the chances of him getting a third year are almost absolutely impossible,” Dave said. “I think they set him up on a two-year deal with a third-year option as a transition situation.”

Dave pointed to general manager Scott Perry’s comments that rebuilding the franchise’s salary cap situation will take at least two years.

That timeline, combined with low expectations entering the season, makes it difficult for Christie to compile the kind of record that typically earns a contract extension.

“If the Kings hit the over at 21-and-a-half wins, his record will be 44-160 after two years,” Dave said. “That’s not generally somebody that’s getting a contract extension.”

Head Coach Doug Christie of the Sacramento Kings laughs at an officials call during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on February 11, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

More on Doug Christie’s future

Ross compared Sacramento’s situation to rebuilding teams like Brooklyn and Utah, which have committed long-term to head coaches Jordi Fernandez and Will Hardy despite losing seasons.

“So I guess the thing for Doug to me would be obviously win a bunch of games that no one’s expecting you to win,” Ross said. “If this team got to the Play-In or made the playoffs, he’d be in Coach of the Year rankings.”

Ross believes Doug Christie could strengthen his case even without a dramatic jump in the standings if the Kings’ younger players drive the improvement.

“If there were more injuries or trades to the biggest names, and the young group won 30 games, that probably, to me, is the best testament for him,” Ross said. “But I don’t know if that’s enough.”

Another factor working against Doug Christie is the front office dynamic. Perry inherited the coaching staff rather than hiring Christie himself, something Dave noted rarely results in a long-term partnership.

“Almost never do you see GMs hold on to those coaches,” Dave said. “You’ve got to think Perry’s going to want to put his stamp on that whole thing as well.”

Scott Perry and the Sacramento Kings hold a press conference to announce Doug Christie as Head Coach on May 2, 2025 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Dave also floated veteran coach Tom Thibodeau, whom Perry hired during his time with the New York Knicks, as a potential future candidate should the organization decide to make another coaching change.

Still, both hosts acknowledged there are aspects of Christie’s coaching that may not show up in the standings. Ross noted Perry will likely evaluate how practices are run, player development, communication and locker room culture, while Dave praised Christie for keeping a veteran-filled roster together during a disappointing season in 2025-26.

“My favorite thing about what he did last year,” Dave said, “I didn’t hear a word, not one about controversies within those doors.”

While Doug Christie will undoubtedly coach believing he can prove the doubters wrong, his long-term future may ultimately depend on whether Sacramento’s rebuild progresses faster than expected.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Doug Christie and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned into Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, schedule announcements, analysis, and much more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Preseason Schedule

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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