DENVER, CO — June 5, 2025
In a stunning twist that no one saw coming, the Denver Nuggets are reportedly exploring the possibility of naming former NBA MVP Derrick Rose as their next head coach, according to multiple league sources.
Just months after announcing his retirement from professional basketball in 2024, Rose is now being quietly vetted for a leadership role on the sidelines, potentially marking one of the most unorthodox and inspiring career transitions in recent NBA memory.
🧠 From Court Vision to Coaching Vision?
While Rose has no formal coaching experience, sources close to the Nuggets front office say his basketball IQ, locker room leadership, and emotional intelligence have positioned him as a compelling candidate in what has become an unexpected coaching search following the departure of Michael Malone.
“Derrick Rose commands universal respect,” one NBA executive told The Hoops Chronicle. “He’s calm, cerebral, and knows how to connect with younger players. The Nuggets are thinking long-term culture—not just X’s and O’s.”
👀 Nuggets Ownership Intrigued by “Player-Led Leadership”
According to insiders, Denver is strongly considering a “player-empowered” coaching model, where Rose would be supported by a veteran staff of assistant coaches to help implement strategy while he focuses on leadership, player development, and team chemistry.
Team owner Josh Kroenke is said to be “very intrigued” by the idea, seeing it as a potential next evolution in NBA coaching—especially in an era where player-coach relationships are more important than ever.
🗣️ What Does Rose Think?
Rose, now 36, has reportedly been in regular contact with key Nuggets personnel, including Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Though he’s kept quiet publicly, sources say he’s “very open” to the idea and has been shadowing coaching meetings and film sessions over the past several weeks.
“D-Rose isn’t chasing the spotlight. He’s chasing impact,” said a source familiar with the discussions. “He wants to lead men and change the narrative about who can lead from the bench.”
📉 Critics Raise Eyebrows
Of course, not everyone is sold. Some around the league have criticized the move as a “PR stunt” or a “gamble on nostalgia,” pointing to the lack of head coaching experience. But others point to examples like Steve Nash and Jason Kidd—former players who jumped straight into coaching roles with varying success.
📅 What’s Next?
While no official announcement has been made, insiders suggest that Rose could be formally interviewed by the Nuggets’ front office next week, with a decision expected before the NBA Summer League begins in July.
Should he be hired, Derrick Rose would become the first former MVP in modern NBA history to take a head coaching role without prior assistant experience.
📣 Final Thought
If this becomes reality, it won’t just be a basketball story—it’ll be a Hollywood story. From injuries and setbacks to a potential head coaching job, Derrick Rose’s journey could come full circle in the most unexpected way.
Stay tuned. The Mile High City might just be about to witness one of the NBA’s boldest moves yet.
