One day after firing Frank Vogel, the Phoenix Suns are reportedly hiring two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Budenholzer.
Phoenix (AFP) – Mike Budenholzer has agreed to coach the Phoenix SunsAccording to multiple reports, as the franchise turns to the man who beat them in the 2021 NBA Finals.
54 years old Budenholzer replaces Frank VogelWho was fired Thursday after one season. Both ESPN and The Athletic reported that Budenholzer’s deal was for five years.
Mike Budenholzer has agreed to terms on a five-year deal worth more than $50 million to become the new head coach of the Phoenix Suns, league sources said. @TheAthletic @stadium. The Suns are a two-time NBA Coach of the Year and an Arizona native. pic.twitter.com/FknlqMY6nD
– Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 10, 2024
Budenholzer – From Holbrook, Arizona – He was the coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 when they rallied from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Suns in the Finals.
Phoenix has never won a championship, advancing to the Finals three times in 56 seasons.
The veteran coach will be tasked with getting the most out of the team’s trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The group never gelled under Vogel, finishing last season with a 49-33 record before being swept by Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs.
Budenholzer was fired by the Bucks after five seasons in 2023 He did not coach in the NBA last season. He also coached the Atlanta Hawks from 2013-18 and had a record of 484-317 over 10 seasons.
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