In a bold move, Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia and team General Manager James Andrew Jones have appointed Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach, following the departure of Frank Vogel after a disappointing single-season stint. Vogel’s super team suffered a humiliating first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, leading to his dismissal.
Budenholzer, who was let go on May 4, 2023, after the Bucks fell 4-1 to the Miami Heat in the playoffs, brings a wealth of experience to the Suns. Mike guided Milwaukee to their first title since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and left the bucks at the top of the Eastern Conference with the league’s best record in his last season.
Budenholzer’s coaching journey spans four teams, including one as an assistant and three as a head coach. He began his career with the Spurs from 1996 to 2013, winning four titles as an assistant under the legendary Gregg Popovich. His time with the Hawks from 2013 to 2018 saw him clinch his first Coach of the Year award in 2015, boasting an impressive 60-22 record. His tenure with the Bucks from 2018 to 2023 culminated in his first championship in 2021, notably defeating the Suns in 6 games and a second Coach of the Year trophy in 2019.
According to Shams Charania, the new deal with the Suns is expected to be a five-year contract worth over $50 million, if it came true it will make Budenholzer one of the top five highest-paid coaches in the NBA, behind Gregg Popovich of the Spurs ($16 million), Erik Spoelstra of the Heat ($15 million), and Monty Williams of the Pistons ($13 million). Budenholzer, an Arizona native, brings a personal connection to his new role, adding to the excitement surrounding his appointment.
Starting with this year’s disastrous elimination, it’s now or never for the Phoenix Suns. With Kevin Durant and Devin Booker leading the charge, the franchise is banking on securing its first title. The Suns have gone all-in on their future by acquiring Durant and Bradley Beal in the last two season so it’s a must-win situation for the desert team.
