According to a report by Shams Charania of the Athletic, the Phoenix Suns have appointed Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach. Budenholzer, previously with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks, secured a championship with the Bucks in the 2020-21 season. Following a disappointing first-round exit in the 2022-23 playoffs, the Bucks parted ways with him. After a season off, Budenholzer returns to coaching with the Suns, agreeing to a lucrative five-year contract valued at over $50 million.
Mike Budenholzer has agreed to terms on a five-year, $50-plus million deal to become the new head coach of the Phoenix Suns, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Suns land the two-time NBA Coach of the Year and Arizona native. pic.twitter.com/FknlqMY6nD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 10, 2024
Lead assistant coach David Fizdale is set to transition to a new front office role within the Suns organization, as per reports.
Under new owner Mat Ishbia, the Suns have seen their coaching staff undergo significant changes, with Budenholzer becoming their third head coach in as many years. Ishbia inherited Monty Williams as head coach when he assumed ownership in February 2023. Williams was subsequently dismissed following a second-round playoff defeat to the Denver Nuggets, later taking up a position with the Detroit Pistons. Frank Vogel, formerly of the Los Angeles Lakers, was then hired by the Suns but had a disappointing tenure, culminating in a first-round playoff exit.
Budenholzer inherits a Suns roster distinct from his previous teams, characterized by a trio of star players in Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant, who possess similar skill sets. Known for his team-first offensive approach, Budenholzer faces the challenge of integrating these star players into his system, which historically relies on efficient shot selection and ball movement.
The Suns’ decision to hire Budenholzer underscores their commitment to immediate success, as evidenced by their pursuit of an accomplished coach with a championship pedigree.
