The future of Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is now in question after a disappointing finish to the 2024-2025 NBA season. Despite the Nuggets’ strong regular-season performance, which included securing a top seed in the Western Conference, the team’s premature exit from the playoffs has left many wondering whether it’s time for a change at the helm.
Malone, who has been with the Nuggets since 2015, has overseen the development of superstar Nikola Jokić into one of the league’s most dominant players. Under his leadership, Denver reached the NBA Finals in 2024, but many believe they fell short in their quest for a championship due to questionable decision-making during key moments in the postseason.
“This was a season with a lot of promise, and to come up short again—especially after the expectations set last year—raises real questions,” said an NBA insider. “While Malone has had success in Denver, there are growing concerns that his inability to adjust in high-pressure situations is holding the team back. The Nuggets have a championship-caliber roster, but they’ve been unable to finish the job.”
The Nuggets’ early exit this season has ignited discussions about the future of the franchise, with ownership and management now faced with difficult decisions. While Jokić remains the cornerstone of the team, there are questions about whether the current coaching staff can push the team over the top. Malone’s leadership has been under scrutiny, especially after several late-game collapses and inability to find consistency in his lineups during the playoffs.
“I love Mike Malone, he’s been a great coach for us, but at some point, you have to ask whether this team needs a different voice to take them to the next level,” said a long-time Nuggets fan. “We have the talent, but it feels like we’ve hit a ceiling with him.”
One of the most talked-about issues is Malone’s management of rotations during high-stakes playoff games. Critics have pointed to his reluctance to adjust when the team faced adversity, particularly in matchups against more aggressive, fast-paced teams. The Nuggets’ offense, often relying heavily on Jokić’s playmaking, struggled at times when opponents applied intense pressure, leaving fans questioning Malone’s strategies.
Nuggets’ General Manager Calvin Booth has been tight-lipped about the potential for a coaching change, but sources close to the team have suggested that the front office is evaluating the entire coaching staff. With a core group that includes Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr., the stakes have never been higher for the franchise, and a fresh approach may be seen as necessary to capitalize on this window of contention.
“Denver is a city hungry for its first NBA championship,” said a former NBA coach. “Mike Malone has done a lot to get this team to where it is, but this next season could be a make-or-break year for him. If the Nuggets fall short again, they’ll have to seriously consider whether a change is needed to make the leap to the next level.”
As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on the Nuggets’ front office as they assess Malone’s future with the team. The decision to part ways with the head coach, or to stick with him for another run at the title, could have major implications for the franchise’s direction moving forward. For now, Malone’s future in Denver remains uncertain, and the pressure to deliver a championship in 2025 could be the defining factor in his tenure.
