The Sacramento Kings parted ways with head coach Mike Brown, the team announced Friday.
Kings assistant and former player Doug Christie will take over on an interim basis.
"This was a difficult decision, and I want to thank Mike for his many contributions to the organization," Kings general manager Monte McNair said in a statement, per James Ham of ESPN 1320.
The Kings are 13-18 this season and in the midst of a five-game losing streak. They lost 12 of their last 17 contests and lead the league with 13 defeats in clutch-time games this season.
Brown joined the Kings in 2022 and led the franchise to its first playoff appearance since 2006 in his inaugural 2022-23 season, ending a 17-year postseason drought that marked a U.S. sports record.
He was named the 2023 NBA Coach of the Year for his efforts and became the first coach to win the award unanimously.
The 54-year-old leaves the franchise with a 107-88 record. He signed a three-year extension in June that was intended to keep him in Sacramento until 2027.
There were high expectations for the Kings after they acquired DeMar DeRozan in the offseason to play alongside De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
The firing comes after Sacramento blew a 19-point lead to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. Brown questioned the team's willingness to fight following the loss.
The Kings return to action Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
