The Phoenix Suns have officially parted ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one season at the helm, the team announced on Monday. Budenholzer's stint in Phoenix ends with a 36-46 record for the 2024-25 NBA season—a performance that fell well short of the organization's postseason aspirations.
“Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season,” the Suns said in an official statement. “Our fans deserve better. Change is needed.”
Budenholzer, who was hired in May 2024, started his Suns tenure with promise as the team opened the season 8-1. However, the momentum quickly faded with 17 losses in their next 23 games. After hovering around the .500 mark in January and early February, Phoenix collapsed down the stretch, finishing the year 11-24 over their final 35 games, including nine losses in their last 10.
The Suns missed the playoffs and posted their first losing record since the 2019-20 season. Statistically, they underwhelmed across the board—ranking 18th in points per game, 22nd in points allowed, and 25th in rebounding.
Mike Budenholzer brings a notable résumé with prior success, having led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA Championship in 2021 and earning NBA Coach of the Year honors twice. He also coached the Atlanta Hawks from 2013 to 2018 before joining Milwaukee, compiling a career regular-season record of 484-363 prior to his Suns tenure.
Phoenix will now begin its search for a new head coach as the franchise looks to reset and return to championship contention in the highly competitive Western Conference.
