DENVER, June 15, 2015 – The Denver Nuggets announced today that they have hired Michael Malone as their new head coach. Per team policy, the terms of the contract were not announced.
“After a long and thorough search, we are excited to announce Michael Malone as the next head coach of the Denver Nuggets,” said President and Governor Josh Kroenke.
Malone becomes the 16th head coach in Denver’s NBA franchise history. He brings over 20 years of coaching experience, 14 of those coming at the NBA level. Malone most recently served as the head coach for the Sacramento Kings where he posted a record of 39-67 over two seasons.
“I’m excited to be reunited with Michael. I’ve known him for years and our relationship predates our time in New Orleans,” stated General Manager and Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly. “He knows the game as well as anybody and I have always admired his work ethic and character.”
Before his time with Sacramento, Malone was the lead assistant for the Golden State Warriors for two seasons from 2011 to 2013. Prior to that, he served as the top assistant with the New Orleans Hornets in 2010-11 and was an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers for five seasons (2004-2010). The Cavaliers made five consecutive playoff appearances during Malone’s time on the bench, reaching the NBA Finals in 2007 and the Eastern Conference Finals in 2009. His NBA coaching career began in 2001 with a four-year stint with the New York Knicks.
“I would like to thank the Kroenke family and the entire Nuggets organization for this opportunity,” said Malone.
The Queens, New York native played college basketball at Loyola College in Maryland, where he graduated with a BA degree in 1994. He is the son of longtime NBA coach and former Kings and current Detroit Pistons Assistant Coach Brendan Malone, who has coached over 27 years in the league.
He and his wife, Jocelyn, have two daughters, Caitlin and Bridget.