The Washington Wizards gave interim head coach Brian Keefe the permanent job on Wednesday.

“We are excited for Brian to become our next head coach. Brian is a proven motivator and connector of people,” Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said.

“As a leader in the organisation, he will continue to positively grow and invest into the development of our players.

“His wealth of experience will help move our team forward as we build for long-term sustained success.”

Keefe was promoted to head coach on January 25 after Wes Unseld Jr. left the sidelines and moved into a front office advisory role.

Washington was 7-36 at the time and went 8-31 under Keefe to finish with the second-worst record in the NBA at 15-67.

The Wizards own the No. 2 overall selection in June’s NBA Draft.