Another year, another coach gone in Phoenix.
After flaming out with a 36–46 record and missing the playoffs, the Suns have officially fired Mike Budenholzer — less than 12 months after signing him to a five-year, $50 million deal. With $40 million still owed, the franchise is once again scrambling to find a leader for its star-studded (and underperforming) roster of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Superstars, No Stability
Phoenix has now changed head coaches for four straight seasons — a brutal stat for any team, let alone one with championship expectations.
Frustration is growing. And this time, ownership can’t afford to get it wrong.
Who’s in the Running?
According to The Haynes Briefs Show with insider Chris Haynes, the Suns are considering a mix of experienced coaches, assistants, and even a college name:
👔 Experienced Names:
- Mike Brown – Most recently with the Sacramento Kings.
- David Fizdale – Former coach of the Knicks and Grizzlies.
- Willie Green – Still with the Pelicans… for now.
🧠 Up-and-Coming Assistants:
- Jared Dudley (Mavericks)
- Sean Sweeney (Mavericks)
- Chris Quinn (Heat)
- Johnnie Bryant (Cavs)
- Royal Ivey (Rockets)
🏀 Wildcard:
- Kevin Young – Former Suns assistant, now head coach at BYU.
Phoenix’s Coaching Problem: 7 Hires Since 2015
Since 2015, the Suns have gone through seven head coaches — and only Monty Williams lasted more than one full season.
- Jeff Hornacek (2014–2016)
- Earl Watson (2016–2017)
- Jay Triano (2017–2018)
- Igor Kokoškov (2018–2019)
- Monty Williams (2019–2023)
- Frank Vogel (2023–2024)
- Mike Budenholzer (2024–2025)
It’s a pattern fans are tired of seeing — and another high-stakes decision looms in the desert.
