Doug Moe, iconic ex-coach of the Nuggets, passes away at 87
Doug Moe, who made a significant impact in the ABA during the 1960s and crafted one of the most effective offenses of that time as the coach of the Denver Nuggets in the 1980s, has passed away at the age of 87.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Nuggets referred to Moe as a “one of a kind leader and person who spearheaded one of the most successful and exciting decades in Nuggets history.”
Moe was a three-time All-Star in the ABA from 1968 to 1970 and played a key role in helping the Oakland Oaks secure the league championship in 1969. He moved into coaching a few years later, serving as an assistant coach under his former teammate Larry Brown. In 1976, he was appointed head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, where he remained for four seasons.
However, Moe is best known for his time with the Nuggets. He was brought on to lead the team in 1980 and steered the franchise through one of its most prosperous decades. The Nuggets reached the playoffs for nine consecutive years, driven by Moe’s signature run-and-gun offense that topped the league in scoring six times. He concluded his tenure in Denver with a 432-357 record, which stood as the most wins in franchise history until Michael Malone surpassed it last season.
“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 Nuggets stated. “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 retired from coaching with a record of 628-529, ranking 19th for the most wins in NBA history. He was honored with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, which is presented annually to recognize long-serving NBA coaches.
