Legendary NBA Coach Doug Moe Passes Away at 87

Doug Moe, the celebrated former NBA head coach known for his fast-paced, high-scoring basketball teams, has died at age 87. The coaching legend led the Denver Nuggets to nine straight playoff appearances and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1988.

Basketball coaching legend Doug Moe passed away Tuesday at the age of 87, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in professional basketball.

The Denver Nuggets expressed their sorrow in an official statement shared on social media. “The Denver Nuggets organization was devastated to learn of the passing of legendary coach Doug Moe,” the team said in a statement posted to social media. “Coach Moe was a one of a kind leader and person who spearheaded one of the most successful and exciting decades in Nuggets history.”

Moe became synonymous with fast-paced, offensive basketball throughout his coaching career. His innovative approach earned him NBA Coach of the Year honors during the 1987-88 season, and he later received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

Throughout his coaching tenure, Moe accumulated an impressive 628-529 record while leading three franchises: the San Antonio Spurs from 1976-80, the Denver Nuggets from 1980-90, and the Philadelphia 76ers during the 1992-93 season. His teams qualified for postseason play 12 times, compiling a 33-50 playoff record.

Under Moe’s leadership, Denver made nine straight playoff appearances and advanced to the Western Conference finals in 1985, ultimately falling to the championship-bound Los Angeles Lakers in five games.

The Nuggets became the league’s top scoring team six different times during Moe’s tenure. His 432 victories with Denver place him second in franchise history, trailing only current coach Michael Malone’s 471 wins.

“He will forever be loved and remembered by Nuggets fans and his banner commemorating his 432 career victories as head coach will hang in the rafters to forever honor his incredible legacy,” the team statement said.

Prior to his coaching career, Moe distinguished himself as an All-American forward at the University of North Carolina. His playing career included professional stints in Italy and the American Basketball Association, where he earned three All-Star selections and captured a championship with the Oakland Oaks in 1968-69.