Sports

Denver Nuggets officially name David Adelman head coach

By Jennifer McRae

Updated on: May 22, 2025 / 5:13 PM MDT / CBS Colorado

David Adelman is the new head coach of the Denver Nuggets, and the players are the reason why

The Denver Nuggets dropped the "interim" from in front of David Adelman's name, making him the head coach of the championship basketball team. Adelman is the 13th head coach in Nuggets NBA franchise history.

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 11: Interim head coach David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets works the sidelines as his team plays the Memphis Grizzlies in the first quarter at Ball Arena on April 11, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. / Getty Images

Nuggets President Josh Kroenke made the announcement on Thursday afternoon.

Adelman took over as interim head coach when the Nuggets fired head coach Michael Malone in April, in the final week of the NBA regular season. At the same time, the team said they wouldn't extend the contract of general manager Calvin Booth.

Well deserved, DA 🤝

David Adelman is officially our next Head Coach! pic.twitter.com/TgSTPVs4I9
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 22, 2025

Malone led the Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023, less than two years ago.

Adelman was an assistant coach with the Nuggets before being named interim head coach. During that time as interim head coach, Adelman went 3-0 in the regular season. He led the team to a series win versus the LA Clippers in seven games before the Nuggets were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games.

Jennifer McRae

Jennifer McRae is a digital media producer for CBS Colorado with more than 25 years of experience in news. Jennifer is part of the digital team recognized for excellence for Best Website several times by the Colorado Broadcasters Association.