On March 22, 2025, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, interim head coach Doug Christie was seen vocally leading his team during the Kings’ matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. That night symbolized more than just a game — it came amid significant coaching changes for the team. A few weeks ago, the Kings overhauled their bench staff, parting ways with five assistant coaches from the 2024-25 season, including lead assistant Jay Triano and Jawad Williams.
While Mike Woodson, a respected NBA Champion and seasoned coach, has already been confirmed as a new addition, several assistant spots are still open. One of those vacancies might soon be filled by a familiar face.
Bobby Jackson in the Mix to Rejoin the Kings as Assistant Coach
According to a Thursday report from Hoops Hype’s Michael Scotto, the Kings are considering bringing back Bobby Jackson to serve on Christie’s coaching team.
Jackson played 12 seasons in the NBA, spending six of those with Sacramento. With averages of 10.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game on 53.2% true shooting during his Kings tenure, he earned a strong fan following. Last year, Sactown Sports ranked him as the 12th-best player in franchise history since their relocation to Sacramento.
Jackson began his coaching journey in 2011 and has had two previous coaching stints with the Kings — as an assistant from 2011 to 2013 and later as head coach of their G-League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, from 2021 to 2023. Most recently, he served as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers.
While Kings insider Sean Cunningham reported last week that Jackson was expected to return, the move has yet to be made official.
As a player, Jackson was known as a combo guard — capable of scoring and providing playmaking off the bench. Interestingly, he’d become the second former combo guard on the coaching staff, joining Leandro Barbosa. A 14-year NBA veteran, Barbosa has been with the Kings since 2022 and remains in place after the recent coaching shake-up. Both Jackson and Barbosa could serve as excellent mentors for Malik Monk, one of the league’s most electric combo guards.