The Washington Wizards announced today that Brian Keefe has been named the team’s head coach, making him the 26th head coach in the organization’s history.
RELATED: Former Wizards Player Ryan Rollins Cut After Allegedly Shoplifting at Target Seven Times
“We are excited for Brian to become our next head coach. Brian is a proven motivator and connector of people,” said Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins. “As a leader in the organization, he will continue to positively grow and invest in the development of our players. His wealth of experience will help move our team forward as we build for long-term sustained success.”
Keefe was initially named interim head coach on January 25, 2024.
Under his leadership, the team saw improvements in defensive rating, overall net rating, and opponent three-point percentage for the remainder of the regular season.
Specifically, the Wizards held opponents to the second-lowest three-point percentage (34.5%) in the league.
Before his interim head coach role, Keefe was serving as the team’s lead assistant coach in his first season with Washington.
With a 16-year NBA coaching career, Keefe has been influential in the development of multiple All-Stars, All-NBA, and MVP caliber players.
His coaching journey includes tenures with Brooklyn (2021-2023), Oklahoma City (2019-2020 and 2007-2014), Los Angeles (2016-2019), and New York (2014-2016).
Known for his extensive background in player development, Keefe’s interim head coach period saw multiple Wizards players improve in various statistical categories.
Keefe began his NBA career as a video coordinator with the San Antonio Spurs in 2005, and during his second season, the team won the 2007 NBA championship.
“I am grateful to Michael [Winger] and Will for the opportunity to lead the Washington Wizards,” said Keefe. “I look forward to continuing to work with our players and helping them grow and develop. As a team, we are committed to a collaborative approach to build an environment of accountability and hard work that allows us to improve every day.”
As an assistant coach, Keefe has been part of teams that have earned playoff berths on eight occasions, including five consecutive playoff appearances (2009-2014) and a trip to the NBA Finals in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
