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Denver Bids Farewell to Legendary Nuggets Coach Doug Moe
Denver is mourning the loss of a true basketball icon. Doug Moe, the beloved former head coach of the Denver Nuggets, passed away peacefully on Tuesday at the age of 87. Moe, who guided the Nuggets to 432 victories and earned the 1987-88 NBA Coach of the Year award, leaves behind an incredible legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of Nuggets fans.
Former Nuggets player Bill Hanzlik shared the somber news on social media, stating that Moe “passed away peacefully holding the hand of his wife.” The Nuggets organization released a heartfelt statement, calling Coach Moe “a one of a kind leader and person who spearheaded one of the most successful and exciting decades in Nuggets history.” They added, “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.”
Moe’s coaching journey began in the ABA as an assistant before he took the reins of the San Antonio Spurs in their inaugural NBA season of 1976-77. He led the Spurs to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons.
In 1980, Moe joined the Denver Nuggets as an assistant and was quickly elevated to head coach, a position he held for a decade. His signature fast-paced, “run-and-gun” offensive style became a fan favorite, leading the league in scoring an impressive six times during his tenure. His 432 wins stood as a franchise record until Michael Malone surpassed him in 2024.
After his successful run with the Nuggets, Moe briefly coached the Philadelphia 76ers before returning to Denver as an assistant in the 2000s, serving under former Nuggets coach George Karl. Karl also paid tribute to his mentor, posting, “Doug Moe was my big brother.
I am sad today. I will miss him.
Love you forever Doug. ❤️🩹”
Before his coaching career, Moe was a talented player. A two-time All-ACC selection at North Carolina, his college career was unfortunately cut short due to an association with a point-shaving scandal.
While there was no evidence of his involvement in fixing games, he admitted to taking money from a conspirator. This delayed his NBA career, despite being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1960 and the Chicago Packers in 1961.
Moe eventually began his professional playing career in Italy in 1965 before joining the ABA’s New Orleans Buccaneers in 1967. He was an ABA All-Star in his first year and for the subsequent two seasons with the Oakland Oaks (who won the 1968-69 ABA title) and the Carolina Cougars.
He also consistently ranked in the top 10 for MVP voting during those three years. He concluded his playing career with the Virginia Squires before transitioning into coaching, where he would leave an unforgettable mark on the game of basketball.