Mike Brown Fired Amid Disastrous Start to 2024-25 Season

The Sacramento Kings have fired head coach Mike Brown after a rocky 13-18 start to the 2024-25 season, leaving fans and NBA insiders stunned.

The Sacramento Kings entered the 2024-25 NBA season with lofty expectations. After a promising offseason that saw them acquire veteran star DeMar DeRozan, re-sign standout guard Malik Monk, and extend Mike Brown—the 2023 NBA Coach of the Year—the Kings looked poised to build on last year’s momentum.

Instead, they stumbled out of the gate, winning just 13 of their first 31 games and dropping five straight matchups. The sudden downturn left the organization scrambling for answers, culminating in Mike Brown’s shocking dismissal following Friday’s practice.

Despite speculation about a coaching change, few expected such a swift decision, particularly given Brown’s recent accolades and widespread respect within the league.

The decision to fire Brown has sent shockwaves through the NBA community. According to reports, the Kings parted ways with Brown without even delivering the news in person—sparking criticism from fans and players alike.

Four-time NBA All-Star and Kings legend DeMarcus Cousins didn’t hold back, expressing his frustration on social media.

“Mike ain’t the problem smh,” Cousins commented on Instagram. “Kannnnnngz type shi…”

Cousins’ reaction underscores the sentiment shared by many who see the firing as a scapegoat move rather than a meaningful solution to the team’s deeper issues.

After leading the Kings to their first playoff appearance in 17 years last season, Brown seemed to have finally steered Sacramento in the right direction. His emphasis on defense and player development earned him widespread praise.

However, the Kings’ struggles this year exposed lingering weaknesses:

• Defensive Woes: Despite Brown’s defensive focus, Sacramento has ranked near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency.

• Inconsistent Offense: The Kings’ offense, heavily reliant on stars like De’Aaron Fox and DeRozan, has struggled with inconsistency and poor spacing.

• Injuries and Depth Issues: Key injuries and a lack of bench production further exacerbated the team’s struggles.

Ultimately, the Kings’ inability to deliver results led to the front office losing faith in Brown’s ability to turn the season around.

Many around the league have criticized the Kings’ handling of Brown’s firing, particularly the lack of face-to-face communication. Brown had just finished speaking to the media about his team’s progress before news of his firing broke.

The lack of professionalism in the dismissal has drawn comparisons to the franchise’s troubled history with coaching changes. The Kings have burned through 13 head coaches since 2006, reinforcing their reputation for instability.

With Brown out, the Kings face an uphill battle to get back on track. Assistant coach Jordi Fernandez has been named interim head coach, but the pressure is already mounting.

The Kings must:

Stabilize Team Morale: Brown’s firing risks further fracturing the locker room. Restoring trust and focus will be key.

Maximize DeRozan’s Impact: DeRozan’s arrival was supposed to elevate Sacramento into contention. The new coaching staff must fully integrate him into the system.

Improve Defensive Consistency: Addressing defensive lapses will be crucial for any playoff push.

With the Western Conference more competitive than ever, the Kings can’t afford more missteps.

DeMarcus Cousins’ comments reflect the broader dissatisfaction with how Sacramento handled the situation. While Cousins never played under Brown, his deep ties to the organization and outspoken personality made his defense of the coach stand out.

“Mike ain’t the problem,” Cousins repeated, suggesting deeper organizational flaws need addressing.

This sentiment has fueled ongoing debates about whether firing Brown was the right move—or simply a knee-jerk reaction to early struggles.

Despite his abrupt dismissal, Brown’s reputation remains intact. As a proven winner and former Coach of the Year, he’s likely to draw interest from teams seeking an experienced leader. Whether he takes time off or jumps into another coaching opportunity, Brown’s impact on the Kings won’t be forgotten.

The Sacramento Kings’ firing of Mike Brown has opened more questions than answers. While the team’s early struggles justified concerns, the decision to part ways with a highly regarded coach midseason feels risky.

As the Kings look to salvage their playoff hopes, they must prove that Brown’s firing wasn’t just a panic move but part of a larger strategy to build a contender. Until then, criticism from former players like DeMarcus Cousins and the broader NBA community will continue to haunt the franchise.

The Kings’ season is far from over—but time is running out to right the ship.