The Wizards intend to bring back head coach Brian Keefe for the 2026/27 season, according to Josh Robbins of The Athletic. General manager Will Dawkins confirmed as much during his end-of-season media session on Thursday, as Michael Scotto of HoopsHype relays (Twitter video link).
“Yeah, I anticipate Brian Keefe to be here,” Dawkins said when asked to clarify whether the Wizards plan to retain their coach.
Keefe has compiled an ugly 43-160 (.212) record since replacing Wes Unseld Jr. on Washington’s bench midway through the 2023/24 season. However, the franchise has been deep in rebuilding mode during that time and hasn’t necessarily wanted to be competitive, with a greater emphasis placed on draft position and player development.
As Robbins explains, the front office has appreciated the work Keefe has done over the last couple years with big man Alex Sarr, forward Kyshawn George, and liked the progress that rookies Tre Johnson, Will Riley, and Jamir Watkins made over the course of this season. Even after acquiring veteran stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young in mid-season trades, the team wants to continue prioritizing player development in the coming years, Robbins writes, and therefore views Keefe as good fit going forward.
Keefe also endeared himself to team officials based on his “willingness to collaborate with the front office,” according to Robbins, who adds that the head coach is well-liked by Wizards players.
Team president Michael Winger said in January that he believes Keefe has helped to establish a culture of competitiveness in D.C.
Yuck.
Get a real coach because the roster is getting better. Sarr is becoming a star in the making, and they’ll have a top 4 pick once again. Adding Trae and developing Tre Johnson and George should help them.
“They’ll have a top 4 pick once again.”
The chance to get a top-4 pick is 52%, and the chance to get the 5th pick is 48%. So it’s a coin flip.
“willingness to collaborate with the front office“ aka we love yes men
Also know as he had no problem with tanking lol
As I have always said, the Wizards are not serious about being a contender and it will take a lot for them to be serious. No wonder why AD had doubts about DC from a basketball standpoint. Trae went there for the money, and since he wasn’t needed anymore by the Hawks. Poverty franchise just trying to sell tickets
This guy is just not exciting. He couldn’t inspire a drunk to get pіssed on a Friday night. Let alone inspire a group of young basketball players.
But hey, I’ve seen teams play absolute dross when they tank under a coach, and then miraculously transform under the same guy when the club decides it’s time to compete. So maybe there’s a good coach in there. But honestly, I haven’t seen anything from him to believe there is.
So Keefe will continue to be the Chief. Bang bang
Why are all these coaches looking like bums who rolled out of bed
Per Kevin Durant–
“He taught me everything I know.”
Back in 2016, Kevin Durant reflected on the time he spent in OKC with Brian Keefe:
“As far as how I approach shootarounds, practices, games, workout sessions, everything, he just changed my mindset. I owe a lot to him.”
(via @LetsGoWarriors)
It’s cheaper to keep’er
Or him