The Phoenix Suns are once again searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Mike Budenholzer following a disappointing 2024-25 season. Budenholzer, who lasted just one year in Phoenix, is the third Suns coach in three seasons to be dismissed, following Monty Williams in 2023 and Frank Vogel in 2024.
The Suns finished with a 36-46 record, tying for 11th place in the Western Conference and missing the play-in tournament by three games. This was far from the championship aspirations that followed the acquisitions of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to pair with Devin Booker. With the roster’s future in question, finding stability at the head coaching position has become a top priority for Phoenix.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Suns are considering a wide range of candidates to replace Budenholzer. The reported list includes Suns assistant coach David Fizdale, Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Jared Dudley, former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown, current New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green, Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn, Cleveland Cavaliers associate head coach Johnnie Bryant, Mavericks assistant coach Sean Sweeney, Houston Rockets assistant coach Royal Ivey, and former Suns assistant Kevin Young, who is currently the head coach at BYU.
Speculations on everything
Fizdale, who previously coached the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks, brings experience and familiarity with Phoenix’s system. Dudley, a former Suns player, has been an assistant in Dallas since 2021 and could provide continuity. Green’s name raises eyebrows as he remains employed by the Pelicans, but with recent changes in New Orleans’ front office, his future there is uncertain.
Brown, a respected coach with past success in Cleveland and Sacramento, was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2023 but was dismissed after a slow start to the 2024-25 season. His track record suggests he could be a strong candidate for the Suns job.
All this has everyone speculating that it may be the end of Durant’s career in Phoenix, as a new head coach might have a new idea and it could push him aside, along with other key players that are veterans and may cost a lot of money in a organizational restructure.
With Phoenix now set to hire its fourth head coach in four years, the franchise is desperate for stability. The Suns hope this hire will bring consistency and leadership, allowing them to refocus on their championship aspirations.
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