Michael Malone has officially put the NBA on notice: he’s ready to coach again. Appearing on ESPN’s Inside the NBA, the former Denver Nuggets head coach spoke with conviction about his passion for returning to the bench, saying he misses the grind, the camaraderie, and the purpose of team life.

“I’m definitely not done coaching,” Malone said. “Coaching is in my blood. I got that from my father.”​

Malone, who guided the Nuggets to their first franchise championship in 2023, has spent recent months working as an analyst for ESPN after his surprise firing late in the 2024–25 season.

The move shocked many around the league, as Denver held a strong playoff position when he was dismissed. Since then, Malone has used broadcasting as a platform to stay close to the game while keeping his competitive fire alive.​

A Proven Winner with Clear Vision

Over his 12-year head coaching career, Malone built a reputation for structure, discipline, and deep player relationships. In Denver, he played a pivotal role in Nikola Jokic’s rise to superstardom, transforming the Nuggets into perennial contenders.

He finished his run with the team boasting a 510–394 regular season record, six straight playoff appearances, and one of the longest active tenures in the league at the time of his dismissal.​

Despite his success, Malone took his exit as motivation, reiterating that his energy and commitment to building championship culture remain intact.

“What I miss the most is being a part of something bigger than myself,” he said, emphasizing how much he values the day-to-day development and leadership that coaching offers.​

What Comes Next for Malone

As the NBA season unfolds, several franchises could soon find themselves in search of a proven leader. Analysts already list Malone among the top available coaches heading into 2026, alongside names like Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins.

Whether the opportunity arises midseason or next summer, it appears inevitable that Malone will be among the first calls executives make.​