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The Phoenix Suns will once again be in the market for a head coach this offseason after parting ways with Mike Budenholzer.
On Monday, the organization announced that Budenholzer had been dismissed from his position, accompanied by a statement highlighting that “our aim is to compete at the highest level, and we fell short of expectations this season. Our fans deserve more. Change is necessary.”
OFFICIAL: The Phoenix Suns have confirmed today that they have relieved Mike Budenholzer from his role as head coach.
In a statement, the Suns expressed their commitment to excellence, stating, “Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season. Our fans deserve…”
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 14, 2025
Now, the Suns will commence their search for a head coach for the fourth consecutive year. The team ended the season on a low note, losing nine out of their last ten games and missing out on a spot in the SoFi Play-In Tournament.
Budenholzer, 55, was appointed in May, taking over from Frank Vogel, who also experienced a disheartening one-year term. Known as Coach Bud, and an Arizona native, he had previously led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, defeating the Suns in the Finals, leading to expectations that he could bring a title to Phoenix.
Unfortunately, the Suns faced numerous challenges throughout the season, struggling with injuries and inconsistent performance, culminating in a record of 36-46 and a complete absence from the playoffs.
The season began with considerable promise after the team soared to an 8-1 start, but star forward Kevin Durant’s calf strain sent the team into a downward spiral. Even after Durant, a 15-time All-Star, returned, Phoenix could never recapture the momentum they had earlier in the season.
Budenholzer appeared unable to establish a consistent playing rotation, as rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro would see significant minutes one game only to be benched the next. Veteran center Jusuf Nurkic struggled early on and voiced concerns over a lack of communication with Budenholzer before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
While Durant and guard Devin Booker managed to stay healthier than in previous seasons, swingman Bradley Beal dealt with ongoing injury problems, missing over 20 games yet again, marking the sixth straight year he faced such challenges.
The Suns attempted to make changes at the trade deadline, but Beal’s no-trade clause and the team’s salary cap position hindered any significant moves.
Budenholzer’s exit likely indicates significant upcoming changes to the roster for a franchise that has underperformed for three consecutive seasons. Team owner Mat Ishbia, who has substantial financial resources and a strong desire to win, has seen many of his decisions since acquiring the team in February 2023 fail to yield the expected results.
Budenholzer did not coach during the 2023-24 season but previously led the Atlanta Hawks from 2013 to 2018 and holds an overall record of 520-363 in 11 seasons.
This report utilized information from The Associated Press.
