In a bold move aimed at revitalizing their championship aspirations, the Denver Nuggets have reappointed Michael Malone as head coach, just over a month after parting ways with him. This decision marks a significant shift as the franchise looks to recapture the success that led them to their first NBA title in 2023.
Michael Malone’s initial tenure with the Nuggets was marked by consistent success. He led the team to eight consecutive winning seasons and secured a franchise-record 471 regular-season victories, surpassing Doug Moe’s previous record. Under his leadership, the Nuggets clinched their first NBA championship in 2023, defeating the Miami Heat in five games. Malone’s ability to develop talent, particularly in nurturing the skills of MVP Nikola Jokić, was instrumental in the team’s ascent to elite status. ([ussportingnews.com][1], [CNN][2], [The Guardian][3])
However, internal tensions between Malone and then-general manager Calvin Booth led to a surprising mid-season dismissal in April 2025. The Nuggets, despite boasting a roster with stars like Jokić and Jamal Murray, had struggled with consistency, culminating in a four-game losing streak. The front office believed that a change was necessary to realign the team’s direction. 
### The Interim Phase and Playoff Push
Following Malone’s departure, assistant coach David Adelman took over as interim head coach. Under Adelman’s guidance, the Nuggets finished the regular season with a 3-0 record, securing the fourth seed in the Western Conference. However, the team was eliminated in the conference semifinals by the Oklahoma City Thunder in a seven-game series. ([Wikipedia][4])
Despite the early playoff exit, Adelman’s performance was viewed favorably by the Nuggets’ leadership. He was officially named the full-time head coach on May 22, 2025. ([Wikipedia][4])
### Rebuilding the Championship Culture
The reappointment of Michael Malone is seen as a strategic move to restore the winning culture that characterized the Nuggets’ success during his previous tenure. Team president Josh Kroenke emphasized the importance of maintaining championship-level standards and expectations. “While the timing of this decision is unfortunate, as Coach Malone helped build the foundation of our now championship-level program, it is a necessary step to allow us to compete at the highest level right now,” Kroenke stated. ([CNN][2], [Nine][5], [The Guardian][3])
The Nuggets are entering a critical phase, with the 2025 offseason offering opportunities to bolster their roster. The front office is expected to focus on enhancing team depth and addressing areas that were exposed during the playoff run. Retaining Nikola Jokić, who has expressed frustration over the team’s performance, will be pivotal in the franchise’s efforts to remain competitive. ([Diario AS][6])
With Michael Malone back at the helm, the Denver Nuggets are poised to embark on a new chapter. The franchise aims to leverage the lessons learned from the previous season’s challenges to build a more resilient and cohesive team. As the 2025–26 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Denver to see if the return of a familiar face can reignite the spark that led to their historic championship run.
* [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/d57c82fd4c577da4c825f35836659eb5?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [Diario AS](https://as.com/baloncesto/nba/otros-equipos-ya-saben-que-jokic-esta-empezando-a-perder-la-paciencia-n/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [The Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/denver-nuggets-president-josh-kroenke-confirms-appointment-of-david-adelman-as-head-coach/articleshow/121352984.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[1]: https://ussportingnews.com/denver-nuggets-fire-head-coach-michael-malone-ahead-of-playoffs-in-shocking-move?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Denver Nuggets Fire Head Coach Michael Malone Ahead of Playoffs in Shocking Move”
[2]: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/08/sport/denver-nuggets-fire-head-coach-michael-malone-spt/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Denver Nuggets fire head coach Michael Malone in final week of regular season | CNN”
[3]: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/08/nuggets-announce-shock-firing-of-malone-less-than-two-years-after-nba-title?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Nuggets announce shock firing of Malone less than two years after NBA title | Denver Nuggets | The Guardian”