Denver Nuggets Shake Up Coaching Staff: Michael Malone Fired Amid Playoff Push

Shocking Mid-Season Move Rocks Nuggets Organization

The Denver Nuggets made headlines across the NBA world on April 8, 2025, when they announced the immediate firing of head coach Michael Malone with just three regular season games remaining. This shocking decision comes as the team prepares for what would have been their seventh consecutive playoff appearance under Malone's leadership.

A Decade of Success Comes to an Abrupt End

Michael Malone leaves Denver after 10 remarkable seasons that included:

• 2023 NBA Championship victory
• 8 consecutive winning seasons
• 6 straight playoff appearances
• Western Conference Finals appearance in 2023
• Current 47-32 record (4th in West)

"This was one of the most difficult decisions we've ever had to make," said Nuggets CEO Josh Kroenke. "Coach Malone built this program into a championship contender, but we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to compete for another title this season."

Timeline of a Surprise Departure

The coaching change comes during a critical stretch for Denver:

• Team has lost 4 straight games
• Battling for home-court advantage in first round
• Just 3 games remaining before playoffs
• Assistant David Adelman takes over as interim

What's Next for the Nuggets?

With the postseason looming, key questions remain:

• Will the locker room chemistry be affected?
• How will star players respond to the change?
• Can Adelman steady the ship for playoff run?
• What's next for Malone's coaching career?

The Nuggets organization also announced that GM Calvin Booth's contract will not be renewed, signaling a potential larger organizational reshuffle in the offseason.

Michael Malone's Legacy in Denver

Regardless of the abrupt ending, Malone leaves behind an impressive resume: