Former Detroit Pistons assistant coach Brendan Malone has passed away. Known for his time with the Bad Boys, Malone was beloved by many. Condolences have been extended to his friends and family. He will be remembered for his contributions to the sport..
So sorry to hear about the passing of former @DetroitPistons assistant coach Brendan Malone.A great guy who was beloved by the Bad Boys. Will always remember @kencalvertshow calling him and Suhr, the Brendans during introductions. Condolences to his friends & family. RIP coach
— michael stone (@stoney16) October 10, 2023
Obituary – Death News : Former Detroit Pistons assistant coach Brendan Malone has passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the world of basketball. His untimely demise has left the sports community in shock and mourning. Brendan Malone, who was beloved by the Bad Boys, has been remembered as a great guy and a valuable member of the Pistons organization.
Born with a passion for the game, Malone dedicated his life to basketball. He began his coaching career in the college ranks, working with prestigious institutions such as the University of Rhode Island and Syracuse University. His dedication and expertise earned him a reputation as a talented coach, catching the attention of NBA teams.
In 1988, Malone joined the Detroit Pistons as an assistant coach. He quickly became an integral part of the team, contributing to the success of the renowned “Bad Boys” era. Malone’s defensive strategies and coaching techniques played a significant role in the Pistons’ back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. His contributions to the team’s success will forever be remembered by fans.
Malone’s impact extended beyond the Pistons. His coaching abilities were recognized by other NBA teams, leading him to various assistant coaching positions with the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic. Malone’s expertise and dedication to the game had a profound influence on the players he worked with, shaping their careers and contributing to their success.
Off the court, Malone was known for his kindness and genuine personality. He had a close bond with fellow coach Brendan Suhr, and their friendship was immortalized by Ken Calvert, who coined them “the Brendans” during player introductions. This endearing nickname became a symbol of their strong partnership and the impact they had on the teams they coached.
Malone’s passing leaves a void in the basketball world. His contributions to the sport will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on. He will be remembered as a dedicated coach, a mentor, and a cherished friend. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.
At the time of this reporting, the cause of Brendan Malone’s death remains unknown. As the sports community mourns his loss, we hope that his loved ones find solace in the memories and impact he left behind. Rest in peace, Coach Malone.
Tributes
This is the way people responded to this story on social media.
@stoney16 wrote
So sorry to hear about the passing of former @DetroitPistons assistant coach Brendan Malone.A great guy who was beloved by the Bad Boys. Will always remember @kencalvertshow calling him and Suhr, the Brendans during introductions. Condolences to his friends & family. RIP coach