The Phoenix Suns and head coach Mike Budenholzer have reportedly reached an agreement on a lucrative five-year contract worth over $50 million, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Despite not yet being officially announced by the team, Budenholzer’s hiring comes swiftly after the Suns parted ways with head coach Frank Vogel following just one season.
Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro disclosed that the Suns’ head-coaching search would be expedited, with Budenholzer emerging as the frontrunner for the position. If finalized, Budenholzer’s contract would rank him among the top-paid coaches in the league, with an average annual value placing him fifth in the league.
This move follows recent high-profile coaching deals, including Steve Kerr’s two-year, $35 million extension with the Golden State Warriors, and Gregg Popovich’s five-year, $80 million agreement with the San Antonio Spurs. Former Suns coach Monty Williams secured a substantial six-year, $78.5 million deal with the Detroit Pistons after his tenure in Phoenix. Additionally, the Miami Heat extended Erik Spoelstra’s contract with a staggering eight-year, $120 million deal.
Vogel, who signed a five-year, $31 million contract last year to replace Williams, was relieved of his duties after the Suns’ disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs, where they were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite a solid regular season record of 49-33, Vogel’s tenure ultimately fell short of expectations.
Budenholzer’s appointment marks the third head coach under Suns owner Mat Ishbia, who assumed control of the team in February 2023. The Suns have seen a revolving door of head coaches since the 2015-16 season, coinciding with Devin Booker’s rookie year.
Budenholzer’s ties to Arizona run deep, as he hails from Holbrook in northern Arizona, where his father, Vince, enjoyed a successful career as a high school basketball coach. With experience coaching both the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks, Budenholzer brings a wealth of coaching experience to his hometown team.
