Earlier this week, the Phoenix Suns elected to fire head coach Mike Budenholzer after posting a 36-46 record. Budenholzer’s dismissal comes after receiving a guaranteed five-year deal worth $50 million. The Suns still owe Budenholzer $40 million over the next four years and are also paying the contracts of Monty Williams and Frank Vogel from the previous two seasons.
Now, the Suns’ owner is coming forward, shedding light on why Phoenix decided to make the move to relieve the one-time champion head coach.
Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Shares Why He Fired Mike Budenholzer
The Suns released a statement following the announcement, stating, “Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season. Our fans deserve better. Change is needed.”
On Thursday afternoon, April 17, Suns owner Mat Ishbia addressed the media during the Suns’ season-ending exit interview session. During the press conference, Ishbia was asked why he fired Budenholzer, and he shared that he was the wrong hire for the organization. He also spoke about the way the roster was constructed to win more than the 36 games this season.
“We need to get the next hire right. The team and the roster, which was put together by James [Jones], CEO Josh [Bartelstein], the scouts, and the front office, is much better than a 36-win roster,” said Ishbia.
"[I] definitely believe we should have won more games and been a lot more competitive… [He] was the wrong coach for our organization and for that team."
Suns Owner Mat Ishbia on why Mike Budenholzer was fired 🗣️️
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— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 17, 2025
“So, there are a lot of reasons why Coach [Mike] Budenholzer is no longer here. I’m not going to get into all of them, but I definitely believe we should’ve won a lot more games and been more competitive in those games, too. I wish him the best, but he was the wrong coach for our organization and for this team. At the end of the day, you can blame me — I’m the owner,” Ishbia said.
“We’re going to look for someone that fits the vision of Phoenix Suns basketball,” Ishbia said. “Someone who is going to live out exactly what I’m talking about. Someone who is a little bit grimy, a little bit tough. Have a little bit of that in them.”
Mike Brown, James Borrego Among Suns’ Top Candidates
Mike Brown, the former head coach of the Sacramento Kings, has been rumored to be considered for the vacant seat on Phoenix’s bench, according to Hoop Hype’s Michael Scotto. Despite being dismissed by the Kings in December, Brown’s experience may put him in the running to be the Suns’ next head coach.
Former Kings general manager Monte McNair shared that the main reason he hired Brown was because of his defensive reputation in 2022.
“He has worked with some of the best players in the NBA and is one of the league’s premier defensive minds. I am excited to bring his extensive experience to Sacramento,” said McNair.
The Kings elected to fire the 2022-23 Coach of the Year earlier in the season after getting off to a 13-18 start.
Scotto also reported that former Charlotte Hornets head coach and current New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego could be a coaching candidate for the vacant Suns position. However, Scotto noted that Borrego’s future all depends on whether the newly appointed president of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, elects to keep or let head coach Willie Green go.