The Washington Wizards’ search for a new coach didn’t require the front office to look far and wide. The team awarded the role to interim coach Brian Keefe on Wednesday.

Keefe took over a struggling Wizards team in January after former coach Wes Unseld Jr. pivoted to a front-office role. 

“Brian is a proven motivator and connector of people,” Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins said in a news release. “As a leader in the organization, 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.”

The Wizards didn’t see substantial improvements in the win column under Keefe’s tenure — they were 7-36 before he took over and recorded an 8-31 record during his interim term. 

But the squad’s struggling defense did start to show signs of life under Keefe’s leadership. The Wizards held opponents to just 34.5% on three-point shooting in their last 39 games, the second-best mark in the league. 

“I look forward to continuing to work with our players and helping them grow and develop,” Keefe said. “As a team, we are committed to a collaborative approach to build an environment of accountability and hard work that allows us to improve every day.”

With their head coaching vacancy filled, the Wizards’ front office can now turn its attention to the NBA draft. The Wizards hold the No. 2 pick as they look to reinforce a roster that finished with the second-worst record in the league last season.