Former Denver Nuggets head coach Doug Moe has died at the age of 87.
“The Denver Nuggets organization was devastated to learn of the passing of legendary coach Doug Moe,” The Nuggets said in a statement on Tuesday. “Coach Moe was a one of a kind leader and person who spearheaded one of the most successful and exciting decades in Nuggets history. 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 organization’s thoughts are with Doug’s wife Jane, his son David and all of his family and loved ones who are hurting in this moment.”
Moe spent 10 seasons as head coach of the Nuggets, compiling a 432-357 record across the span and earning Coach of the Year honors in 1988. He also finished No. 2 in Coach of the Year voting in both 1982 and 1985.
Moe was initially a small forward in the ABA from 1967-72, racking up three All-Star nods while averaging 16.3 points per game. He helped the Oakland Oaks capture an ABA championship in 1969.
Once Moe’s playing career came to an end, he became an ABA assistant coach before taking over as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in 1976. He spent four years with the Spurs, putting together a 177-135 record with the organization.
Moe then joined the Nuggets as an assistant once his tenure in San Antonio came to an end, eventually getting promoted to head coach ahead of the 1980-81 season.
His time in Denver was extremely successful, helping the team make nine playoff appearances and advance to the 1985 Western Conference Finals. Moe’s 432 coaching wins with the Nuggets rank No. 2 on their all-time leaderboard.
Denver operated as one of the NBA’s top offenses under Moe, leading the league in scoring on six separate occasions (h/t Eric Christensen of CBS Colorado).
After parting ways with the Nuggets in 1990, Moe eventually spent one season as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers before later returning to Denver as an assistant in 2003. He remained a member of the team’s staff until 2008.
Moe was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. He also received the NBA’s annual Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
