May 11, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman during a press conference before game four against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Denver Nuggets Make Major Coaching Announcement

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated May 22, 2025 3:17 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets made a shocking move at the end of the regular season, parting ways with veteran head coach Michael Malone just three games before the playoffs.

In Malone's departure, David Adelman stepped up as interim head coach, and he exceeded expectations. Adelman led the Nuggets to a 3-0 finish in the regular season, took down the star-studded LA Clippers in the first round of the playoffs, then came just one win away from the Western Conference Finals.

Adelman and the Nuggets ended their season with a blowout Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but taking the championship favorites to seven games is a feat in itself.

Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

After an impressive run as interim head coach, the Nuggets have made their new coaching change official. In his end-of-season press conference, Nuggets president Josh Kroenke announced that they will be hiring David Adelman to be their new head coach.

"We will be moving forward with David Adelman as our head coach," Kroenke announced.

Josh Kroenke addresses this:

“We will be moving forward with David Adelman as our head coach.”

He pointed to the increased communication in the locker room and how they rallied around Adelman to finish the season strong. https://t.co/lqAhhbCbRu
— Brendan Vogt (@BrendanVogt) May 22, 2025

The Nuggets parting ways with Michael Malone was shocking, but having a replacement as good as David Adelman at their disposal makes the transition much better. Of course, the timing of the Malone firing was not ideal, but the Nuggets played exceptionally under Adelman in the postseason, and he rightfully earned the new job.

"The way the group rallied around him and his different voice and style of communication was fantastic to see," Kroenke said about Adelman.

Josh Kroenke on officially promoting David Adelman:
“The way the group rallied around him and his different voice and style of communication was fantastic to see”
— Jessica Kay Mendoza (@JessicaKayTV) May 22, 2025

David Adelman now gets to follow in his father's footsteps as an NBA head coach, and the Nuggets will be in a great spot next season after giving him an entire offseason to prepare for the position.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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