Wizards remove interim title, name Brian Keefe head coach

The Washington Wizards promoted Brian Keefe as their permanent head coach, the team announced Wednesday.

The Wizards tabbed Keefe, a longtime assistant with multiple teams since 2009-10, as Wes Unseld Jr.'s temporary replacement in January after moving the club's former head coach into a front-office position.

Washington went 8-31 with Keefe at the helm across the second half of the season and finished 2023-24 with the NBA's second-worst record.

"Brian is a proven motivator and connector of people. As a leader in the organization, he will continue to positively grow and invest into the development of our players," Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said. "His wealth of experience will help move our team forward as we build for long-term sustained success."

Washington is still rebuilding after trading former star Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns in June 2023. The club's leading scorers last season - Kyle Kuzma, 29, and Jordan Poole, 25 - are under contract through the 2026-27 campaign. Deni Avdija, a 23-year-old who the Wizards drafted ninth overall in 2020, is tied down through 2027-28 after signing a four-year rookie extension in October.

The Wizards also boast two first-round picks in the upcoming draft in June, including the second overall pick.