The Phoenix Suns are making Mike Budenholzer as their next head coach, according to Shams Charania of the Athletic. Budenholzer has coached the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks in the past, and won a championship for Milwaukee during the 2020-21 season. However, after getting upset by the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2022-23 season, the Bucks let him go. He took this season off, but is now back with another star-laden roster.
Budenholzer has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal that will see him earn $50-plus million, per an update from Charania. Lead assistant coach David Fizdale is expected to transition to a new front office role for the Suns, per reports.
The Suns have now hired their third head coach in three years under new owner Mat Ishbia, who inherited Monty Williams as his team’s leader when he took over the team in February of 2023.