Former Nuggets Coach Ryan Bowen to Lead Grand Rapids Gold

If you’ve been a Grand Rapids Gold fan for years like me this is massive. I can’t even begin to explain how excited I am about the team’s latest announcement. We’ve found a coach amongst our own ranks- Ryan Bowen.

This isn’t just some random hire from outside the system. Bowen is a proven winner, and he’s coming to us straight from the top. He’s been with the Denver Nuggets organization for 17 years, five as a player and 12 total as an assistant coach.

That time includes being an assistant coach when the Denver Nuggets won the NBA Championship back in 2023.

Bowen isn’t new to basketball greatness. He had a 10-year NBA career, played for Denver, Houston, New Orleans, and Oklahoma City, and racked up over 500 games on the court. As a coach, he’s been with the Nuggets for 10 of the last 12 seasons. That kind of experience, especially within a winning culture, is going to be a game-changer here in GR.

This photo from his NBA days is one of my favorites.

From the Deltaplex days to now, the team has grown so much and this feels like the next big step the team is going to take to bring another championship level franchise to Grand Rapids. The Gold aren’t just hoping for a good season, we’re building toward something bigger.

And it’s not just Bowen. The Gold front office is stacking talent just as strategically. Chad Iske, who’s served as a coach and scout with several NBA teams, is stepping in as our new GM.

Then there’s Nihal Kolur, our new Assistant GM, bringing top-tier strategy experience straight from the Nuggets and the NBA league office.

Rounding it out is Matthew Tynes, now Director of G League Operations and Scouting, who’s already proven himself behind the scenes.

This feels like the kind of offseason that sets the tone for a playoff run, and maybe even a championship. As someone who’s cheered through the ups and downs, I’m telling you now: this season is going to be special. Let’s go, Gold!