In a startling move just days before the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets have dismissed head coach Michael Malone, who boasts the highest win total among NBA coaches over the past five seasons (252 victories). Alongside Malone, the organization also let go of general manager Calvin Booth.
BREAKING: The Denver Nuggets have fired coach Michael Malone, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/bZoKRx6kgt
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 8, 2025
Despite battling for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, as noted by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the franchise evidently lost faith in their prospects for the current season.
“They felt like the signs were there that this season was not going to end well.” @ShamsCharania with further insights on the Nuggets firing Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. pic.twitter.com/rlR6xdoX9E
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 8, 2025
During the last three games, star player Nikola Jokic has averaged an impressive 45 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists, yet the Nuggets failed to secure victory in any of those contests.
This turn of events may not come as a complete surprise, given Malone’s recent criticisms of his players following a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers just two weeks prior.
After a bad loss in Portland, Mike Malone called out Nuggets players for not watching film and said some players were “full of s—t” 😳
Less than a month later he’s out as the Nuggets HC 👀 pic.twitter.com/cVCfp3vPUr
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 8, 2025
“They’ll say ‘coach is tripping’… Nobody watches their minutes, nobody watches film…”
– Mike Malone two weeks ago 😬
(h/t @pointfour__ )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 8, 2025
Malone’s departure is part of a pattern across the league this season, highlighted by the recent firing of Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins.
Taylor Jenkins seeing Mike Malone walk into the unemployment office pic.twitter.com/wqHRqw8Ruj
— I Always Keep A Can Of Tuna On Me (@SnottieDrippen) April 8, 2025
Additionally, Malone previously spoke out against the Sacramento Kings’ decision to part ways with Mike Brown, labeling it as lacking “class” and “guts.”
Michael Malone on the Sacramento Kings firing of Mike Brown:
“No class. No balls.”
— Jamal Cristopher (@JamCristopher) April 8, 2025
Fans in Denver are understandably perplexed by the decision to let go of Malone. One X user expressed disbelief, highlighting Malone’s significant contributions, stating, “Yes, Denver has been struggling of late. But FIRING Mike Malone, who won you a title TWO years ago, had you one win from WCF last year… MAN!?!??! That’s crazy. With SIX DAYS left in the regular season!”
Others echoed the sentiment, suggesting there might be underlying issues that prompted the move. “Currently fighting for the 3 seed with the best player in the world. Something happened with Mike Malone behind closed doors. That’s the only reasonable thought,” remarked another fan.
Interestingly, Lakers fans may be among the few rejoicing at Malone’s departure, as he has earned the nickname “Lakers Daddy” after eliminating them from the playoffs in the previous two seasons.
BREAKING: Mike Malone AKA the former “Lakers Daddy” has been FIRED
THE CURSE HAS BEEN LIFTED 🙌 pic.twitter.com/oExLCtscl3
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) April 8, 2025
Even with Malone’s exit, his legacy at the franchise remains, encapsulated by a tattoo he got to commemorate the team’s 2023 championship journey.
Bro Mike Malone had a Nuggets tattoo and was just fired 😭 pic.twitter.com/S9gfa0E8KR
— Knicks Union 🗽 (@knicks_union) April 8, 2025
Throughout his decade with the Nuggets, Malone secured six playoff appearances, two trips to the Conference Finals, and a championship, amassing a record of 471 wins against 327 losses, which translates to a .590 win rate.
