Unseld, 49, is a familiar name for long-time Wizards observers, as he is the son of the late Hall of Famer Wes Unseld Sr, who was the 1968-69 NBA MVP and a five-time All-Star for the franchise.

Unseld Jr had been a Nuggets assistant since 2015 and was a Wizards assistant coach from 2005-11.

The elder Unseld, who died 13 months ago at age 74, holds franchise records for rebounds, games and minutes played.

He also helped Washington wins its lone NBA title in 1978 and later served as general manager as well as coach for the franchise.

During his tenure with the Nuggets, Unseld Jr was instrumental in developing Nikola Jokic into the lowest-drafted MVP in NBA history and the year-to-year improvement of Jamal Murray as one of the top young guards in the NBA.

He served under the title of associate head coach in his final year at Denver.

"Wes is one of the most highly-regarded assistant coaches in the NBA and clearly separated himself from the large and diverse group of candidates we considered," Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard said.

Between his stints with Washington and Denver, Unseld spent two-plus seasons (2012-15) as an assistant coach with the Orlando Magic and one season (2011-12) with the Golden State Warriors.

"Becoming a head coach in the NBA is a goal that I have pursued my entire adult life and to have that dream realised by coming full circle back to Washington is truly special," Unseld said.

Unseld replaces Scott Brooks, who put together a 34-38 record in 2020-21, and helped the team navigate the play-in rounds to claim the No.8 seed in the East.

Brooks went 183-207 in five seasons as Washington's coach.

Australian Associated Press