Nuggets Fire Longtime Coach Michael Malone Before Playoffs

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The Denver Nuggets made the surprising decision to fire head coach Michael Malone in April 2025, just days before the start of the NBA playoffs. Malone had led the Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023 and was the franchise's all-time winningest coach, but his relationship with players had reportedly grown strained in recent seasons due to his intense coaching style. The Nuggets opted to go with an inexperienced interim coach for the playoffs instead of Malone.

Why it matters

Malone's firing was a shocking move by the Nuggets, as he had been a successful and long-tenured coach who had just led the team to a title two years prior. The decision highlighted tensions between Malone and the Nuggets' front office over roster decisions and player development, as well as the team's desire for a new voice and approach despite Malone's past accomplishments.

The details

The Nuggets cited a "strained relationship" between Malone and the players as the primary reason for his dismissal. Players had reportedly grown tired of Malone's intense and explosive coaching style, finding his methods outdated. Malone also clashed with the front office over roster moves and rotation decisions, as he preferred to rely on veteran players while the organization wanted to give younger talent more playing time.

• The Nuggets fired Malone on April 8, 2025, just three days before the end of the regular season.
• Malone's firing came after the Nuggets had lost four straight games, capping off a rough six-week stretch for the team.

What’s next

The Nuggets will look to build on their playoff success under interim coach David Adelman, who was given the full-time head coaching job in the offseason.