Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was fired on Tuesday in a truly shocking decision. The Nuggets had lost 4 straight despite some generational performances from MVP-candidate Nikola Jokic, but will now take on the last three games of the regular season without Malone. Heading into the playoffs without his championship experience is certainly a strange decision.
Denver Nuggets Head Coach Michael Malone Fired
Denver Nuggets head man Michael Malone was inexplicably fired on Tuesday, leaving fans confused and upset. The Nuggets had been on a recent losing streak but were still 4th in the Western Conference, and of course, given that they have Nikola Jokic, are one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
Days after the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor Jenkins, a move that was heavily criticized by the media, Malone is now also gone. Two strong Western Conference teams are now heading into the postseason with some significant turmoil to deal with.
Earlier in the season, the Sacramento Kings, another Western Conference squad, made a heavily criticized decision to fire head coach Mike Brown. Fans reacted harshly to the news, and the Kings have gone nowhere fast since. Malone now joins Brown and Jenkins as respected coaches who were let go in dramatic fashion.
In addition to Malone, General Manager Calvin Booth was also let go, hinting at big problems in the Denver organization. The team will now have to rally into playoff form with new leadership.
Fans React to Michael Malone Firing
The general public seems to agree that Malone’s firing is shocking and unfair. Some insist that there must be some behind-the-scenes drama happening. In any case, as a recent NBA champion, many would have figured Malone had some of the most leeway in the league in terms of going through some rough patches. Yet, not three years removed from hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy, Malone will not even have the chance to redeem himself in the postseason.
first of all… what the hell is up with these teams firing QUALITY Head coaches literally WEEKS before the Playoffs?? secondly… how the hell do you fire a coach of Mike Malone’s caliber this abruptly? this early? wtv the problem is in Denver can’t be his fault man
— ♕𝕕𝕒𝕧𝕠𓅓 (@shpillo_) April 8, 2025
Alright what’s up with playoff team coaches like Mike Malone and Taylor Jenkins getting fired this season??? https://t.co/Jl7143OzJY
— PatsSZN🔴 (@NewEraPatriots_) April 8, 2025
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!#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/DYhogsbnur
— Zach 𝟚𝟛 Weiss (@TheTriumphant23) April 8, 2025
Nuggets went 471-327 with Mike Malone
Won the 2023 championship
This season they’re 47-32 – 1.5 GB 3rd seed
There’s only 3 games left in the season pic.twitter.com/EhY5CugdNc
— Hoop Muse (@HoopMuse) April 8, 2025
Seriously what is the NBA doing, what are Owners doing
Mike Malone is one of the best coaches in the NBA
Right before playoffs https://t.co/If3LjQG0X4
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) April 8, 2025
The Nuggets won the championship two years ago and are 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.
— Matthew Cardenas (@Matt__Card) April 8, 2025
that NBA head coach gig really the most thankless job ever lmao firing Mike Malone with the playoffs a week away is so insane
— A ✩ (@adryanashton) April 8, 2025
The writing was on the wall when Mike Malone said this pic.twitter.com/oMxiYdSs6F
— Paulos (@NotLikeRuss) April 8, 2025
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