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DENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 26: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets fields questions during Denver Nuggets Media Day at Ball Arena on September 26, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
On Tuesday, the University of North Carolina introduced Michael Malone as the new head coach of the men’s basketball team. It’s a fresh start for the former Denver Nuggets head coach, who worked closely with Nikola Jokic.
Before Malone was officially introduced, reporters caught up with Jokic following the Nuggets’ recent win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The superstar center spoke on the news regarding his former head coach.
It’s safe to say that Jokic is confident that Malone will succeed at the University of North Carolina.
via Bennett Durando, Denver Post: Nikola Jokic: “I think it’s a little bit different … But he definitely has the poise and the brain to do it. I think he’s gonna do a really good job because he can actually coach the guys. He’s gonna have time to coach the guys and teach them how to play the game the right way.”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 04: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 04, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Pamela Smith/Getty Images)
Michael Malone’s History With The Denver Nuggets
In 2003, Malone joined the New York Knicks as an assistant. He held many assistant positions up until he joined the Sacramento Kings in 2013-2014. That’s where he served as a head coach for the first time in his career.
The Sacramento stint didn’t last long for Malone. After he was let go, the Nuggets hired him the following year. He coached the Nuggets for 10 seasons.
It took a few seasons before the Nuggets became playoff contenders, but they once they got in, they didn’t miss the playoffs again for the rest of Malone’s stint as the head coach. In 2022-2023, Malone and the Nuggets won the NBA Championship.
Before the Nuggets embarked on their seventh-straight playoff run last year, Malone was cut from the team. He finished his career with the Nuggets by winning 59.0% of his games. It was a shocking move, but Malone knew he would be back on a bench sometime soon.
Michael Malone Heads To The NCAA
GettyDENVER, CO – MARCH 12: Head Coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena on March 12, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Nuggets head coach David Adelman all had positive endorsements for Malone earlier this week.
While Malone had a good shot at garnering an NBA head coaching position before the 2026-2027 NBA season, he clearly grew intrigued by the idea of taking on a new challenge in an evolving NCAA landscape.
Malone leaves the NBA with a 510-394 head coaching record. He coached in 80 playoff games, winning 55.0% of those matchups.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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