The Phoenix Suns are once again in the market for a new head coach after parting ways with Mike Budenholzer following a disappointing 36-46 season. This marks the third consecutive year that Suns owner Mat Ishbia has fired a head coach, continuing a trend of instability at the helm.
With a roster featuring stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns are under pressure to find a leader who can maximize their potential and return the team to championship contention.
Budenholzer struggled to connect with the team and implement a cohesive strategy. Reports indicated that his “old school” coaching style clashed with players, leading to a lack of buy-in and belief within the locker room. Defensive struggles and communication issues further compounded the team’s woes, culminating in their failure to even qualify for the play-in tournament.
The Suns are expected to conduct a wide-ranging search for their next head coach, with several intriguing names already emerging as potential candidates:
- Willie Green Currently the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, Green has strong ties to the Suns organization, having served as an assistant coach during their 2020-21 NBA Finals run. His relationship with Devin Booker and owner Mat Ishbia, both Michigan natives, makes him a natural fit if the Pelicans decide to move on from Green.
- Michael Malone Recently fired by the Denver Nuggets despite leading them to a championship in 2023, Malone’s proven track record and ability to develop talent make him a compelling option. However, his fiery coaching style may not align with the Suns’ current needs.
- Steve Nash The former Suns legend and two-time MVP could make a return to Phoenix as head coach. Nash’s experience as a player and his brief stint coaching the Brooklyn Nets give him the credentials to lead the team, though his lack of success in Brooklyn may raise questions.
- Taylor Jenkins After being let go by the Memphis Grizzlies, Jenkins is another experienced candidate who could bring a fresh perspective to the Suns. His ability to connect with players and build a cohesive team culture could be valuable for Phoenix.
- Micah Nori An assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nori has impressed in his limited opportunities to lead. He could be a dark horse candidate for the Suns’ vacancy.
With Devin Booker as the cornerstone of the franchise, the Suns must prioritize finding a coach who can foster strong relationships with players while implementing a modern and adaptable system. Given the team’s recent history of instability, patience and long-term vision will be crucial in this hiring process.
The Suns face a critical offseason, not just in their coaching search but also in addressing trade rumors surrounding Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. The next head coach will inherit a talented but volatile roster, making this one of the most challenging and high-stakes positions in the NBA.
