Former NBA Coach Doug Moe Passes Away at 87

Doug Moe, the former NBA coach, has died at the age of 87, as announced by his son, David, on Tuesday. David shared the sad news with several of his father’s friends, mentioning that Moe had been battling cancer for a long time.

Ron Zappolo, a familiar figure in Denver’s television scene, also confirmed Moe’s passing to the Associated Press. Moe gained prominence in the 1980s as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets after coming from the ABA. During his time, he was known for his unique style and charisma.

The Denver Nuggets paid tribute to Moe on social media, recalling him as “an unparalleled leader” who contributed to some of the most vibrant periods in the team’s history.

Moe coached for 15 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers, though he never clinched a championship. One of his most prominent moments was during the 1985 Western Conference Finals, where his top team lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. In 1988, he earned the NBA Coach of the Year title.

Beyond game results, Moe is remembered for his dynamic motion offense and the lively antics he displayed from the sidelines. His teams in Denver led the league in scoring for five straight years in the early ’80s and often played an unstructured style.

Despite sometimes being tough on the bench, Moe was known to socialize with players after games and often found himself reflecting on his passionate demeanor during high-stakes moments. “Sometimes I think I’m kind of Jekyll and Hyde,” he remarked in a 1983 interview. “I’ll be silly before and after the game, but once the game starts, my emotions take over.”

Before John Elway made waves in Denver, Moe was the city’s most notable sports figure. Zappolo emphasized Moe’s blend of success and likability, suggesting that many felt a personal connection to him. “I don’t know if there’s ever been a more important sports figure in Denver,” Zappolo reflected, recognizing Moe’s enduring impact on fans.

Interestingly, Moe claimed he never sought out a head coaching role, reluctant to put in the hard work. Yet, he was persuaded by Larry Brown to take the job in San Antonio, where he found success alongside stars like George Gervin. Moe eventually concluded his coaching career with a brief stint in Philadelphia before returning to Denver as an assistant to George Karl.