Michael Malone’s New Role at ESPN
Michael Malone, who was unexpectedly let go from his position as head coach of the Denver Nuggets near the end of the last NBA season, has quickly found a new role. After initially stepping into an analyst position at ESPN during the playoffs, he is set to return to the network for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro announced at the Front Office Sports’ Tuned In Summit that Malone will join the “NBA Countdown” team, although he didn’t provide specific details about the exact nature of Malone’s role.
Transition from Coaching to Broadcasting
Malone’s transition from coaching to broadcasting came after his abrupt dismissal with only three games left in the regular season. He demonstrated his analytical skills as he provided insights during the playoffs, earning him a continued spot at the network. Despite leading the Nuggets to a championship in the 2022-23 season, Malone did not receive any offers for head coaching positions over the summer, prompting him to extend his broadcasting career for at least another year.
Current Coaching Situation and Future Prospects
In the interim, David Adelman took over as head coach of the Nuggets, guiding them to the second round of the playoffs where they faced the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team that ultimately claimed the championship.
Malone’s coaching journey has been marked by both challenges and successes, particularly in his decade-long tenure with the Nuggets, where he maintained a .590 winning percentage. Given his proven track record, it is likely that he will seek to return to a head coaching role in the future while staying relevant in the sports community as a broadcaster. This approach mirrors the paths taken by several former NBA coaches, including notable figures like Doc Rivers and Stan Van Gundy, who have used media roles to remain in the spotlight while pursuing new job opportunities in coaching.
