Michael Malone Breaks Silence on Getting Fired by Nuggets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 2:54 PM ET

Despite being the winningest coach in franchise history and guiding the team to the 2023 championship, Michael Malone was fired by the Denver Nuggets.

It was a stunning move considering the Nuggets had only three games left in the regular season when Malone and general manager Calvin Booth were fired.

Malone was hired by Denver in 2015. He went 471-327 in the regular season and 44-36 in the playoffs. The Nuggets beat the Miami Heat in the 2023 NBA Finals. Denver also reached the 2020 Western Conference Finals.

Malone isn't on social media, so we didn't hear from him after the Nuggets fired him. That changed on Sunday when Malone sent a message to Denver fans in The Denver Post.

"Ten years ago, I was presented with the incredible opportunity to be the Head Coach of the Denver Nuggets," Malone said. "Little did I know the profound impact that would have on the next decade of my life. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Kroenke family, all of our remarkable players, and my exceptionally talented coaching staff. It was an honor to work alongside you each and every day.

"To Nuggets Nation, it has been my absolute pleasure to lead and fight for our team every night. To help bring Denver its first NBA championship is an accomplishment that I will always cherish. I will be forever grateful for the unwavering love and support you showed me and my family. Denver is home, and being your coach has been my privilege. Thank you, all!"

David Adelman will coach the Nuggets in the 2025 playoffs. Denver will face the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round.

Malone has coached the Sacramento Kings and Nuggets. He is 510-394 in the regular season and 44-36 in the postseason.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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