Wizards to retain coach Brian Keefe after 17-65 season

The Washington Wizards have decided to retain Brian Keefe as head coach for 2026-27 after a 17-65 season in which the team finished with the NBA's worst record. Team officials cited his work developing young players and his collaboration with the front office.

Brian Keefe will return as the Washington Wizards' head coach for the 2026-27 season. He led the team through a rebuilding period that prioritized keeping a protected first-round pick, maximizing draft lottery odds and developing many young players. The Wizards finished this season 17-65 and in sole possession of the NBA's worst record. Team officials praised Keefe's role in player development and his collaborative relationship with the front office. Key facts: - General manager Will Dawkins confirmed Keefe will return during his end-of-season news conference. - Washington went 17-65 this season and has a 43-160 record during Keefe's tenure, including losses in 26 of the final 27 games this year. - By finishing with the league's worst record, the Wizards will receive no worse than the fifth pick in the upcoming lottery and will not have to convey a top-eight protected first-round pick to the New York Knicks. - The front office credited Keefe and his staff with helping develop prospects such as Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Will Riley and Jamir Watkins. - Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger said Keefe "has done everything we've asked him to do," praising player development and team culture. Summary: Keeping Keefe gives the Wizards continuity as they move toward a season with veteran leaders and a young nucleus that includes newly developed prospects and a June lottery pick. The team will head into the offseason preparing for the draft and the 2026-27 campaign under Keefe's leadership.