Reports: Mike Budenholzer agrees to become next coach of the Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX (AP) – Mike Budenholzer has agreed to coach the Phoenix SunsAccording to multiple reports, the franchise is turning to the man who defeated them in the 2021 NBA Finals.

The 54 year old Budenholzer replaces Frank Vogel, who was fired Thursday after one season. ESPN and The Athletic both reported that Budenholzer's contract was for five years.

Mike Budenholzer has agreed to a five-year, $50 million contract to become the new head coach of the Phoenix Suns, according to league sources @TheAthletic @Stadion. Suns win two-time NBA Coach of the Year and hail from Arizona. pic.twitter.com/FknlqMY6nD

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 10, 2024

Budenholzer – from Holbrook, Arizona – was 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 and reached the Finals three times in 56 seasons.

The veteran coach will be tasked with making the most of the team's All-Star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The group never quite held together under Vogel, finishing last season with a 49-33 record before being defeated by Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs.

Budenholzer was released by the Bucks in 2023 after five seasons and did not coach in the NBA last season. He also coached the Atlanta Hawks from 2013 to 2018 and has a 484-317 record in 10 seasons.