Mike Woodson Joins Sacramento Kings Coaching Staff

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Longtime NBA coach Mike Woodson has agreed to become the associate head coach for the Sacramento Kings, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on May 7, 2025.

Woodson, who previously spent four years as head coach at Indiana University, has extensive coaching experience in the NBA, including stints with the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks. He played under legendary coach Bob Knight at Indiana from 1976 to 1980 and was drafted in the first round by the Knicks in 1980.

During his time as head coach of the Hoosiers, Woodson led the team to the NCAA tournament in both of his first two seasons. However, Indiana missed the tournament in the last two seasons, prompting a change in leadership.

Doug Christie, recently signed as the Kings’ head coach, is making changes to his coaching staff after a disappointing finish to the season. The Kings finished strong under Christie initially, winning 20 of their first 31 games, but struggled down the stretch, finishing with a 7-13 record in their last 20 games.

“Bringing in experienced coaches like Mike Woodson and Bobby Jackson will help develop our young talent and improve our team,” Christie said in a statement.

In addition to Woodson, fan favorite Bobby Jackson will also join the Kings coaching staff. Jackson has previously served as an assistant coach with the Kings and has strong ties to the organization.

Jackson, who played for the Kings during their golden era from 2000 to 2005, won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2003 when the team reached the Western Conference Finals.

The Sacramento Kings continue to make significant changes in hopes of improving their performance in the upcoming NBA season.