In a surprising move, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just three games before the end of the 2025 NBA regular season. Assistant coach David Adelman has been named interim head coach. The decision, described as carefully considered by team president Josh Kroenke, is aimed at maximizing the team’s chances of winning another championship.
Malone, who led the Nuggets to their only NBA title in 2023 and holds the franchise records for most regular-season and playoff wins (471-327 and 44-36, respectively), had been with the team since 2015. He also played a significant role in developing superstar Nikola Jokić into a multi-time MVP.
GM Calvin Booth, instrumental in constructing the 2023 championship roster, had been with the franchise since before the 2020-21 season. Despite their strong record and playoff positioning, both firings are seen as unprecedented due to their timing. The Nuggets are currently tied with several teams in the Western Conference and are fighting to secure a top-six seed to avoid the play-in tournament.
This marks only the second midseason coaching dismissal in the NBA in recent weeks, following the Grizzlies’ decision to part ways with Taylor Jenkins.
The Nuggets’ recent underperformance—losing four consecutive games and seven of the past ten—prompted the decision, as the team dropped to fourth place in the Western Conference. Vice Chairman Josh Kroenke emphasized the move was necessary to maintain championship-level standards for both the current and future seasons.
Fans and analysts have expressed shock and concern over the timing of the firings, particularly with the playoffs imminent. The decision raises questions about the team’s strategy and cohesion as they enter the postseason under new leadership.
As the Nuggets prepare for the playoffs, all eyes will be on interim head coach David Adelman to see how he navigates the team through this unexpected transition.
