As the Denver Nuggets face an early and unexpected playoff exit in the 2025 NBA postseason, questions are beginning to surface around the future of head coach Michael Malone. Despite leading the franchise to its first-ever NBA Championship just two seasons ago in 2023, recent turbulence has sparked speculation about whether Malone’s tenure in the Mile High City could be nearing its end.
A Championship Legacy with a Recent Stumble,
Malone, who took over as head coach in 2015, has overseen a remarkable transformation of the Nuggets. Under his leadership, Denver evolved from a middling franchise into a consistent Western Conference contender. The 2023 title run, powered by MVP-caliber performances from Nikola Jokić and a balanced, disciplined roster, was the pinnacle of that progress.
But the past two seasons have introduced cracks in that once-dominant foundation. Injuries, inconsistent bench production, and defensive lapses plagued the Nuggets during the 2024-25 campaign. Though they managed a respectable regular season record, their second-round playoff loss to a younger, faster Oklahoma City Thunder team left fans and analysts questioning whether Malone’s system has grown stale.
Ownership’s Patience Wearing Thin?
There’s no official word from the Kroenke ownership group or GM Calvin Booth about any impending coaching changes. Still, sources close to the organization suggest that the front office is conducting a “comprehensive internal evaluation,” which includes assessing the coaching staff’s future.
One anonymous league executive told The Athletic, “Malone is widely respected, but Denver has championship aspirations. If the front office believes they’re trending downward, they may decide to reset
