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Wizards’ Brian Keefe To Replace Wes Unseld Jr. As Interim Head Coach

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Washington Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. looks on during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Capital One Arena on January 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

The Washington Wizards will promote assistant coach Brian Keefe to head coach after removing Wes Unseld Jr. from the position Wednesday. Unseld will take a front-office position within the organization.

It is unclear if Keefe, the team’s top assistant, will take the job after the season, as the team only needs an interim leader for now as they limp through the final months of the 2023-24 season. Keefe has been an assistant for five NBA teams dating back to 2007.

On the same day that the Milwaukee Bucks fired coach Adrian Griffin, who led the team to a 30-13 in his debut season, Unseld’s departure garnered less surprise as the Wizards continued their free fall. The team currently holds a 7-36 record despite boasting young talent like Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole, earning a reputation as an undisciplined and unfocused team.

Because of Washington’s profound struggles this season, some have criticized the decision to keep Unseld on staff as a member of the front office. Wizards President Michael Winger, who also oversees the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, released a statement in which he announced Unseld’s departure but also expressed a desire to continue working with him.

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“After several thoughtful conversations with Wes, we determined together that a change was needed for the benefit of the team,” Winger said. “Wes embodies the characteristics we value in our organization, and his vast basketball experience will be an asset to the front office as we progress toward our long-term goals.”

Unseld is the son of Wes Unseld Sr., who spent his entire NBA career with Washington as a player and coach. He was a member of the Bullets team that won the NBA Championship in 1976. He was the Bullets’ head coach between 1987 and 1994 but only managed to lead the team to one winning season. His number, 41, was retired by the Wizards in 1981. His son will now continue to work in his father’s old organization despite three exceedingly poor seasons as head coach.