The Sacramento Kings' decision to fire head coach Mike Brown mid-season has drawn sharp criticism from several NBA coaches, who have questioned the manner in which the dismissal was handled. Brown's firing came amidst a five-game losing streak, bringing the Kings' record to 13-18. While the team's performance may have justified a change, it was the way Brown was informed of the decision that sparked outrage.

According to ESPN, Brown was notified of his termination over the phone while en route to the team plane. This perceived lack of respect prompted strong reactions from coaches around the league, including Denver's Michael Malone, Golden State's Steve Kerr, and Detroit's J.B. Bickerstaff.

Malone, who was previously fired by the same Kings executive, expressed his anger, calling the move "classless" and "without balls." He criticized the organization for informing Brown after he had already conducted post-game media and was on his way to the airport.

Kerr voiced his disappointment, highlighting the irony of firing a coach who had been unanimously named Coach of the Year just a season and a half prior. Bickerstaff echoed Malone's sentiments, also labeling the firing as "classless" and expressing concern for the way coaches are treated within the league. He emphasized the personal sacrifices coaches make for their teams and the importance of treating them with respect.

Brown's tenure with the Kings spanned three seasons, during which he led the team to a 107-89 record and a playoff appearance in his first year. Despite his accomplishments, the Kings' recent struggles ultimately led to his dismissal, now replaced by Doug Christie. The controversy surrounding the firing, however, has shifted the focus from the team's performance to the organization's treatment of its coaching staff.