The Denver Nuggets made the surprising move to fire Michael Malone this week.

Malone led the Nuggets to an NBA Championship just two years ago but Denver is going in a different direction. The team also announced that general manager Calvin Booth would not be signed to an extension.

Denver will enter the offseason looking to find the next great head coach to lead the team on the floor.

3. Frank Vogel

The Nuggets job comes with many risks. It is not the can’t-miss spot many thought it was years ago. Denver could be looking for a secure option with plenty of experience to take over. This includes Vogel, who won an NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. Like Malone, he was fired shortly after winning a title. He is an experienced coach in the Western Conference who could right the ship in Denver.

2. Sam Cassell

Cassell has been linked to many jobs over the years but has yet to become the head man. He spent 15 years as a player and has turned into one of the league’s best assistants over the years. The hesitation might be the Nuggets bringing in a first-time head coach without links to the franchise. If the front office feels comfortable with this, Cassell would finally get his chance as a head coach.

1. David Adelman

Adelman was named the interim coach in Denver for the remainder of the season. Adelman, who is the son of legendary coach Rick Adelman, will likely get the chance to serve as the full-time coach next year. He has worked as Malone’s lead assistant over the years. He will lead the Nuggets into the postseason. If the team flames out, this could change but he seems like the option as the next coach.