In the wake of a disappointing and drama-filled season, Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone stepped in front of reporters and didn’t shy away from accountability.
“It’s all on me,” Malone said during his end-of-season press conference on Tuesday. “The way this season unfolded — the inconsistency, the lack of execution, the early playoff exit — that’s my responsibility. I didn’t get the job done, and I own that.”
The Nuggets, who entered the 2024–25 season as one of the title favorites, failed to live up to expectations, stumbling through injuries, locker room tension, and underwhelming performances. Despite boasting a healthy Nikola Jokić and a strong supporting cast, Denver failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs — a stunning result for a team that lifted the championship trophy just two years ago.
Malone’s candid comments resonated with both fans and players, some of whom reportedly appreciated his willingness to shoulder the blame rather than deflect criticism.
“Coach always stands up for us,” said one anonymous player. “He holds himself accountable, and that means something in this league.”
Still, questions now swirl around Malone’s future with the organization. While no official word has come from the front office, speculation is growing that the franchise may consider a coaching change this offseason as part of a larger shake-up.
As the dust settles on a season that began with promise but ended in frustration, Malone’s message was clear: “I’ve been proud to coach this group, but this year wasn’t good enough. That starts with me.”
What comes next for the Nuggets — and Malone — remains to be seen.
