The Phoenix Suns moved quickly after firing their head coach Frank Vogel on Thursday. Just two days later, the team announced that they had hired Mike Budenholzer as Vogel’s replacement.
Budenholzer reportedly agreed to a five-year contract worth more than $50 million, making him one of the highest-paid head coaches in the league.
The Suns decided to move on from Vogel after just one year following a disappointing end of their 2023-24 season. Despite featuring a star-studded roster that includes All-Stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, Phoenix finished sixth in the West with a 49-33 record and was swept in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Budenholzer will now be tasked with maximizing the Suns’ star power and bringing the city of Phoenix its first NBA championship. He previously stopped the Suns from getting one in 2021 when he beat them in the NBA Finals as a head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Budenholzer, who is from Arizona, joins the franchise with a strong resume that includes one NBA title as a head coach, four NBA titles as an assistant, and two NBA Coach of the Year awards. He has a 484- 317 career record in the regular season and a 56-48 record in the postseason with the Bucks and Atlanta Hawks.
“We’re excited to name Mike as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns and bring him back to his home state of Arizona,” said Suns owner Mat Ishbia in a statement. “Mike has proven himself to be among the most successful head coaches in the NBA. He is the right leader to take us to the next level and reach our championship goals.”
