Phoenix Suns Fire Head Coach Mike Budenholzer After Disappointing First Season
The Phoenix Suns have parted ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer, according to a report by Shams Charania of ESPN. The news comes as no surprise, given the team’s underwhelming performance during his first season at the helm. The Suns finished with a 36-46 record, missing out on the NBA playoffs and sparking widespread speculation about Budenholzer’s future with the franchise.
According to Bleacher Report, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon had reported on Sunday that there was "widespread anticipation throughout the league" that the Suns would move on from Budenholzer following the campaign. When asked about his future, Budenholzer revealed that he had yet to discuss the topic with team governor Mat Ishbia. As Bleacher Report notes, the Suns have now fired their head coach in three consecutive seasons, following the departures of Monty Williams and Frank Vogel.
The appointment of Budenholzer was seen as a major coup for the Suns, given his impressive track record with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. During his time with Atlanta, he compiled a 213-197 record and made the playoffs in four of his five seasons, including a run to the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals. His success continued with the Bucks, where he posted a 271-120 record and led the team to the championship in 2021, defeating the Suns in the NBA Finals.
However, his first season with Phoenix was a disappointment, with the team failing to qualify for the Western Conference play-in tournament. The Suns’ roster boasts an array of star talent, including Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, but Budenholzer was unable to replicate his previous successes. As Bleacher Report observes, the team’s lack of progress has raised several question marks about its future, including the potential trade of Durant and the status of Beal’s contract.
Beal’s situation is particularly noteworthy, given his $57.1 million player option for 2026-27 and no-trade clause. The Suns’ limited salary-cap space also presents a challenge, making the trade market a key focus for the franchise during the upcoming offseason. According to Bleacher Report, Budenholzer’s departure has sparked a search for a new head coach, with the team seeking to turn its fortunes around.
The decision to part ways with Budenholzer marks a significant development for the Suns, who will need to regroup and reassess their strategy ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. As Bleacher Report notes, the team’s failure to make the playoffs has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the franchise’s direction. With a new head coach set to be appointed, the Suns will be eager to restore their reputation and mount a successful challenge in the Western Conference.
As reported by Bleacher Report, the news of Budenholzer’s departure has sent shockwaves through the NBA, with many speculating about the team’s future plans. One thing is certain: the Suns will need to make significant improvements if they are to compete with the top teams in the league. The appointment of a new head coach is just the beginning, as the franchise embarks on a journey of rebuilding and renewal.
The Phoenix Suns’ decision to fire Mike Budenholzer has significant implications for the team’s future. With a new head coach set to be appointed, the franchise will be looking to make a fresh start and turn its fortunes around. According to Bleacher Report, the team’s failure to make the playoffs has raised several question marks about its future, and it remains to be seen how the Suns will address these challenges.
The sources used in this article are from Bleacher Report: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25183904-mike-budenholzer-fired-suns-after-missing-nba-playoffs-1st-season-hc.
