Sometimes, life doesn’t go as planned. Just ask Mike Budenholzer. Two years after leading the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship, he found himself on the other end of the spectrum, failing to guide the Phoenix Suns to the playoffs and ultimately losing his job.
With only a few games left in the regular season, the Suns already knew their playoff hopes were over. Kevin Durant’s late-season injury certainly didn’t help, and reports of tension between Durant and Budenholzer only added fuel to the fire. As a result, the team fell short of one of its main goals.
In response to the disappointing season, the Suns decided to part ways with Budenholzer. Team owner Mat Ishbia didn’t hold back when addressing the coach’s departure. “The team, and the roster that was constructed, is much better than a 36-win roster. There’s a lot of reasons why Coach Bud is not here,” Ishbia said in a press conference.
The comments highlight a strained relationship between Budenholzer and the organization. His coaching style never quite clicked in Phoenix, and his inability to elevate the team led to an abrupt end to his tenure.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the first half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on November 08, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
Ishbia explains one of the key reasons for firing Budenholzer
Amid speculation surrounding Budenholzer’s departure, including reports of internal conflicts and poor player relationships, Suns owner Mat Ishbia clarified the situation, pointing directly to performance issues. “The results didn’t align with our expectations,” Ishbia said, noting that the front office had a realistic assessment of the team’s potential.
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He emphasized that the decision was driven by on-court results and Budenholzer’s overall approach to managing a roster built to contend. “Among all the reasons, Bud isn’t here because he didn’t lead the team to the results we wanted,” Ishbia added.
Early candidates to reportedly replace Budenholzer
With the Suns’ season officially over, Ishbia and the front office are actively exploring new coaching options. According to reports, several names have emerged as potential replacements for Budenholzer. Here’s a look at the leading candidates:
- Mike Brown
- James Borrego
- Johnnie Bryant
- Chris Quinn
- Jared Dudley
- Sean Sweeney
- Royal Ivey
- Ben Sullivan
SurveyCan the Suns bounce back the next season?
Can the Suns bounce back the next season?
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