George Karl officially takes the reins as Sacramento Kings’ coach

The Kings introduced George Karl as their new head coach at a news conference Tuesday at the team’s practice facility in Sacramento. Karl, 63, replaces Tyrone Corbin, who coached 27 games after Michael Malone was fired Dec. 14. “I’m back in the saddle,” said Karl, who hasn’t coached since he was fired by the Denver Nuggets after the 2012-13 season, despite being named NBA coach of the year. “It’s going to be a hard job. … I’m excited to work with DeMarcus Cousins, the most talented big man I’ve ever coached. … He’s our best player, our best talent.” Karl, the sixth-winningest coach in NBA history with 1,131 victories, will hold his first practice with the team today. His first game as coach will be Friday when the Kings, 18-34, host the Boston Celtics. – Sacramento Bee