In a monumental achievement, the Denver Nuggets reached the NBA Finals in 2023 for the first time in their history under dedicated head coach Michael Malone. Taking the reins back in 2015, Malone masterfully guided the team toward reclaiming its status as formidable contenders in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. Now, with their inaugural appearance in the NBA Finals, the Nuggets have solidified their place among the league's elite.

In light of Malone's remarkable accomplishments, it is only fitting to reflect upon some of the other great NBA figures who have coached the Denver Nuggets as well as the success stories authored by Doug Moe, George Karl, and Larry Brown.

Who is the coach of the Denver Nuggets?

Michael Malone is the current head coach of the Denver Nuggets, having taken over the team in 2015. Previously, he was an NBA assistant from 2001 to 2013, starting out with the New York Knicks before going on to work as an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Hornets and, ultimately, the Golden State Warriors.

Recognized as the best assistant coach in the NBA at that time, Malone garnered widespread acclaim from GMs throughout the league. In a testament to his exceptional coaching ability, Malone was reportedly the league’s highest-paid assistant coach back in 2012.

In 2013, Malone became the head coach of the Sacramento Kings. He spent two seasons with that team but was fired due to a slow start. However, in 2015, he took on the head coaching position with the Denver Nuggets, where he has been steadily building a strong reputation ever since.

As the Nuggets’ head coach in 2022-23, Malone led the franchise to the NBA Finals for the first time in its history.

Denver Nuggets Head Coach History

The Denver Nuggets have had several head coaches who served for long periods of time. Currently, Michael Malone has been in charge for more than 600 games. Before Malone, Denver had Doug Moe, who was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1987-88, and George Karl, who won the same award in 2012-13. Both Moe and Karl have been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame for their coaching achievements.

Famous Denver Nuggets Head Coaches

Larry Brown is widely recognized as one of the most famous NBA coaches to have graced the sidelines in Denver. With an impressive coaching career spanning nearly 50 years, Brown's impact is undeniable. He earned the title of NBA Coach of the Year in 2000-01 while leading the Philadelphia 76ers. Additionally, Brown achieved great success by guiding the Detroit Pistons to an NBA championship victory in 2004. His Pistons beat the Los Angeles Lakers, coached by Phil Jackson, to win the NBA Finals in five games.

Ranking the Top 10 Greatest Denver Nuggets Coaches of all time

10. Mike D’Antoni

Years with Nuggets: 1998-99
Career Record with Nuggets: 14-36

Mike D'Antoni, who later became a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, started his coaching journey with the Denver Nuggets.

Initially the team’s director of player personnel, he eventually took on the role of head coach. Unfortunately, D'Antoni was let go due to a disappointing performance during the lockout-shortened 1998-99 NBA season. However, this setback proved to be a valuable learning experience for him.

As it turned out, D’Antoni learned from his first head coaching job, and the former coach of the Nuggets went on to successful stints with the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets, as well as some other positions around the league.

9. Donnie Walsh

Years with Nuggets: 1979 to 1980
Career Record with Nuggets: 60-82

Donnie Walsh, who made a strong impression as an assistant coach at the University of South Carolina in the early 1970s, first joined the Denver Nuggets coaching staff in 1977 as an assistant. At the college level, his contributions were instrumental in the Gamecocks' undefeated regular season in 1969-70, their 1971 ACC tournament championship, and their three successful Sweet 16 runs at the NCAA tournament.

After serving on the Nuggets staff for a few years, Walsh was promoted to the position of head coach in 1979. During his year and a half as head coach, he led the team to an impressive 60 wins.

8. Alex Hannum

Years with Nuggets: 1971 to 1974
Career Record with Nuggets: 118-134

When Alex Hannum arrived as head coach of the old ABA’s Denver Rockets, later renamed the Nuggets, he brought along an impressive reputation. Prior to his tenure with the Rockets, Hannum had served as the player-coach for the NBA’s St. Louis Hawks in the late 1950s. After retiring as a player in 1957, he assumed the role of full-time head coach in 1958 and led the Hawks to the NBA championship in his very first season in that position.

Almost a decade later, Hannum achieved a similar feat while coaching the Philadelphia 76ers, led by the legendary Wilt Chamberlain. He then went on to guide the Oakland Oaks to an ABA championship in 1969. Denver was the final destination in Hannum's coaching career, as he took on the roles of head coach, general manager, and president for the Rockets. During his years in Denver, Hannum amassed a remarkable total of 118 victories. His career coaching accomplishments earned him a well-deserved place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

7. Bernie Bickerstaff

Years with Nuggets: 1995 to 1996
Career Record with Nuggets: 59-68

Bernie Bickerstaff was the Denver Nuggets’ president from 1990 to 1997, and he spent a couple of seasons as head coach of the team, too.

Bickerstaff was the first African American president and GM in Denver Nuggets history, and he helped to build two playoff teams during the seven years he spent with the franchise.

He was particularly respected within the organization for his ability to scout talent, drafting the likes of Dikembe Mutombo, LaPhonso Ellis, Jalen Rose, and Bryant Stith. He worked closely with Dan Issel while Issel was in charge of the team and later took over as head coach in 1995.

6. Jeff Bzdelik

Years with Nuggets: 2002 to 2004
Career Record with Nuggets: 73-119

Jeff Bzdelik rose to prominence as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets, making a strong impression while coaching the team during a summer-league event. He earned praise for his ability to foster relationships, particularly with the younger players on the roster.

In 2002, Bzdelik was appointed as the Nuggets’ head coach, marking his first NBA head coaching role. He achieved remarkable success by revitalizing the franchise. In his initial season, the Nuggets won only 17 games. However, in the following year, they experienced a remarkable turnaround -- winning 43 games and clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 1995.

The Nuggets coach and his players became the first team in NBA history to win fewer than 20 games and then make the playoffs in the following season. Their achievement ranks among the top 10 single-season turnarounds ever witnessed in the NBA.

5. Dan Issel

Years with Nuggets: 1992 to 1995 and 1999 to 2001
Career Record with Nuggets: 180-208

Dan Issel was a beloved member of the organization as a player before putting in two stints as the Denver Nuggets’ head coach.

Hired as head coach by Bernie Bickerstaff in 1992, Issel helped the Nuggets reach the playoffs in 1994 with their first winning record in four years. During that postseason, Issel oversaw one of the best playoff series in Nuggets history -- a surprise first-round win over the top-seeded Seattle Supersonics.

The Nuggets’ win over the Sonics that year is considered one of the greatest upsets in NBA playoff history, and it was a crowning moment in Issel’s coaching career. He returned for a second stint in 1999, even though he was already serving as the president and general manager of the Nuggets. After appointing himself head coach, Issel and the Nuggets struggled at a time when the franchise was seeking a new owner.

Issel’s second stint was less successful, but the circumstances around the organization at the time were difficult. Issel is still considered one of the most loyal players and Denver Nuggets coaches in the team’s history.

4. Larry Brown

Years with Nuggets: 1974 to 1979
Career Record with Nuggets: 251-134
Awards with Nuggets: ABA Coach of the Year (1974-75, 1975-76)

Larry Brown stands as one of the most accomplished head coaches on this list and had a notable stint with the Denver Nuggets early in his career.

Prior to joining the Nuggets, Brown honed his coaching skills under esteemed mentors Frank Maguire and Dean Smith at the University of North Carolina. He then received his first opportunity as a head coach with the ABA's Carolina Cougars before transitioning to lead the Nuggets.

During his tenure, Brown guided the Nuggets for their final two seasons in the ABA and their first three in the NBA. He achieved the highest winning percentage in Denver Nuggets coaching history.

Under Brown's guidance, the Nuggets reached the 1976 ABA Finals, although they fell short against Julius Erving and the New York Nets. Nonetheless, their competitive presence made them a favorable candidate for the merger with the NBA.

Brown was honored with the ABA Coach of the Year award three times, including twice during his tenure with the Denver Nuggets. His remarkable coaching career continued to flourish, earning him numerous accolades, including being named one of the 15 greatest coaches of all time during the NBA's 75th Anniversary celebrations. Brown's coaching prowess was further recognized in 2002 when he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

3. Michael Malone

Years with Nuggets: 2015 to present
Career Record with Nuggets: 367-270
Awards with Nuggets: NBA All-Star Game Head Coach (2019, 2023)

When Michael Malone took over as the head coach of the Nuggets, Denver had missed the playoffs for two seasons in a row. A fresh coaching-staff change was required in order to turn the Nuggets fortunes’ around.

By his third season at the helm, Malone had successfully developed the Denver roster and steered the franchise back on the right path, finishing with a solid 46-36 record. Although they narrowly missed out on making the playoffs that season in a highly competitive Western Conference, they bounced back the following year, securing a playoff berth in 2019. Since then, the Nuggets have consistently made the postseason every year.

Under Malone's coaching, the Nuggets have achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the playoffs for five consecutive seasons. A significant factor in their success has been the rise of Nikola Jokic, who has flourished under Malone's guidance. The team has built a system centered on Jokic, ensuring they maximize his potential to contribute to their overall success.

In 2020, the Nuggets reached the Western Conference Finals but ultimately fell short against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, they sought redemption in 2023 and accomplished a historic milestone by advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

2. Doug Moe

Years with Nuggets: 1980 to 1990
Career Record with Nuggets: 432-357
Awards with Nuggets: NBA Coach of the Year (1987-88)

Doug Moe began his coaching career as an assistant to Larry Brown during Brown's tenure with the ABA’s Carolina Cougars. When Brown moved on to the Denver Nuggets, Moe followed suit and remained an assistant coach until 1976.

From there he took the head coaching job of the San Antonio Spurs before returning to Denver in 1980. As the coach of the Denver Nuggets, Moe deployed a run-and-gun system that involved a high-intensity, fast-paced offense. Denver didn’t run any specific plays but instead relied upon fast ball movement and driving for shot opportunities before the defense had a chance to get set.

Under Doug Moe, the Nuggets made the postseason for nine straight seasons and won a franchise-record 54 games in 1987-88. As a result, Moe was named the NBA’s Coach of the Year, one of only two Nuggets coaches to win that award.

Doug Moe is honored by the Nuggets with a banner that reads 432, signifying the record number of games the team won while he was Denver’s head coach. 

1. George Karl

Years with Nuggets: 2005 to 2013
Career Record with Nuggets: 423-257
Awards with Nuggets: NBA Coach of the Year (2012-13), NBA All-Star Game Head Coach (2010)

George Karl made an immediate impact when he took over the Denver Nuggets in January 2005. The team had struggled early in the season, but went 32-8 and made it into the playoffs after Karl came aboard.

It was under Karl that both Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony were named All-Stars, the first time the team had featured any All-Star caliber talent since 2001. Denver then tied its franchise record of 54 wins in the 2008-09 season and once again made it to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the Los Angeles Lakers.

Following Carmelo Anthony's departure to the New York Knicks, George Karl showcased his adaptability by making significant adjustments in coaching the team. Anthony had been the Nuggets’ leading scorer for seven consecutive seasons, but Karl had to shift toward a more team-oriented style of offense in his absence. Surprisingly, Denver topped the NBA in points per game the following season and secured a playoff spot once again.

The team made an impactful addition in Andre Iguodala, and during the 2012-13 season, Denver achieved an impressive 57-25 record. This marked a new franchise record for wins in a season, and Karl received praise for his coaching efforts with one of the NBA's youngest teams. Despite lacking a superstar player, the Nuggets excelled under Karl's leadership. His remarkable accomplishments led to his receiving the NBA Coach of the Year award. It was only the second time in franchise history that a Denver coach earned that honor.

George Karl's coaching talent is further acknowledged via his place in the Basketball Hall of Fame. He remains one of the most successful coaches in Nuggets history.

Parameters for Ranking

These former Nuggets head coaches have been ranked based on their success while in charge of the team. While wins play a major role in determining that, other factors such as turning around a bad team, mounting upsets in the playoffs, and individual coaching accolades have also been taken into consideration.

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