Mike Budenholzer Named New Phoenix Suns Coach: NBA Champion Takes Reins from Frank Vogel on $50M Deal

Holbrook, Arizona, Arizona United States of America
Budenholzer grew up in Holbrook, Arizona where his father won regional titles and state championships as a high school basketball coach
Budenholzer led Milwaukee Bucks to NBA title in 2021
Budenholzer spent five seasons with Atlanta Hawks, named NBA Coach of the Year in 2015
Favorite for job during expedited head-coaching search after Suns dismissed Frank Vogel
Features stars Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker
Five-year deal worth over $50 million
Mike Budenholzer named new Phoenix Suns coach
Suns finished 49-33 but swept out of playoffs by Minnesota Timberwolves
Mike Budenholzer Named New Phoenix Suns Coach: NBA Champion Takes Reins from Frank Vogel on $50M Deal

The Phoenix Suns have hired Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach on a five-year deal worth over $50 million, according to multiple reports. Budenholzer, an Arizona native, brings a championship pedigree to the Suns after leading the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA title in 2021.

Budenholzer spent five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks before joining the Bucks and led them to four straight seasons with 46-plus wins. He was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2015 during his time with the Hawks.

The Suns finished the 2023-24 season with a record of 49-33 but were swept out of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Budenholzer will be tasked with turning around a team that features stars such as Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker.

Budenholzer was previously an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs for 17 seasons before becoming a head coach. He will be the third head coach for Suns owner Mat Ishbia since he took control of the team in February 2023.

The Suns have had seven head coaches since Devin Booker's rookie season in 2015-16. Budenholzer grew up in Holbrook, Arizona, where his father won 10 regional titles and one state championship as a high school basketball coach.

Budenholzer was the favorite for the job during an expedited head-coaching search for the Suns after they dismissed Frank Vogel following a first-round playoff exit. The reported deal would make Budenholzer one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA.



Confidence

95%

Doubts
  • However, it's important to verify the exact terms of Budenholzer's contract and confirm his previous coaching successes with the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks.
  • None at this time.

Sources

100%

  • Unique Points
    • Mike Budenholzer agreed to a five-year contract with the Phoenix Suns worth over $50 million.
    • Budenholzer is an Arizona native and has a history of success as both an assistant and head coach.
    • He led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA title in 2021 but was let go after failing to return them to the finals.
    • Budenholzer won four NBA titles as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich.
    • He went 213-197 (.520) in five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks and was named Coach of the Year in 2015.
    • The Bucks hired Budenholzer after he left Atlanta and he led them to five consecutive Central Division titles.
    • Budenholzer went 271-120 (.693) as Milwaukee’s head coach and was named Coach of the Year in 2019.
    • The Suns finished the 2023-24 season with a record of 49-33 and were swept out of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
    • Budenholzer will be tasked with turning around the Suns’ fortunes with a top-heavy roster, lack of depth, and no true point guard.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

  • Unique Points
    • Mike Budenholzer is from northern Arizona.
    • The Phoenix Suns have hired Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach.
    • Mike Budenholzer was previously the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks from 2018 to 2023.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

  • Unique Points
    • Mike Budenholzer is an Arizona native.
    • Budenholzer previously spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks.
    • He led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 271-120 record in five seasons and won the NBA championship in 2021.
    • Giannis Antetokounmpo won two MVP awards during Budenholzer’s tenure with the Bucks.
    • Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday played major roles on contending teams under Budenholzer’s leadership in Milwaukee.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

97%

  • Unique Points
    • Budenholzer grew up in Holbrook, Arizona and his father won 10 regional titles and one state championship as a high school basketball coach.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

  • Unique Points
    • The Suns have hired Mike Budenholzer as their head coach on a five-year deal worth at least $50 million.
    • Mike Budenholzer has a championship pedigree, having won an NBA title with the Bucks in 2021.
    • Budenholzer previously coached the Hawks from 2013-18 and helped them achieve four straight seasons with 46-plus wins.
    • Kevin Durant expects his team to make changes before the start of next season.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication