The Milwaukee Bucks had more than their fair share of head coaching controversy over the past 12 months. After Mike Budenholzer was fired following their first round loss to the Miami Heat in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the Bucks underwent a massive coaching search that led to the hiring of Adrian Griffin over former Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse and Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson.

Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Mike Budenholzer
Apr 7, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer calls a play in the fourth quarter during game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Of course, all Bucks fans know what happened next. Despite getting off to a 30-13 start, Milwaukee’s players did not seem to have good chemistry on the court, though it was not from a lack of their trying. Reports spilled out of poor communication from the locker room, as well as claims that the players had no idea what they were doing on defense.

Griffin was fired and Doc Rivers was brought in to right the ship. Unfortunately, injuries and a roster that was completed too late in the offseason prevented Milwaukee from progressing past the first round of the NBA Playoffs again.

In the meantime, Coach Budenholzer took the year off and waited for his next opportunity.

Former Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer Was a Finalist for the Brooklyn Nets Job

Milwaukee Bucks, Mike BudenholzerApr 2, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer calls a play in the fourth quarter during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
After being fired by the Bucks, Coach Budenholzer decided to take the year off. However, that does not mean that was not linked to a job or two the opened up during the season.

According to reports, Budenholzer was a finalist for the Brooklyn Nets head coaching job that opened up midseason. However, his asking price as a NBA Champion and two-time NBA Coach of the Year was more than what the Nets were willing to pay.

So Budenholzer kept waiting.

Former Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer Has Been Hired by the Phoenix Suns

Milwaukee Bucks, Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix SunsMar 27, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
According to Sham Charania of The Athletic, Coach Budenholzer’s wait is over. He has been hired by his home-state team, the Phoenix Suns:

Budenholzer had also been linked the open Los Angeles Lakers position.

Where Does Mike Budenholzer Rank Among Head Coaches in NBA History?

Milwaukee Bucks, Mike BudenholzerApr 19, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer looks on during the second quarter against the Miami Heat during game two of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
New Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer is 39th in NBA history with 484 wins. That happens to be four more wins than Frank Vogel, number 40 on the all-time list, whom Budenholzer is replacing as head coach.

Budenholzer’s 271 wins as head coach of the Bucks rank third in franchise history behind Don Nelson (540) and Larry Costello (410).

His .693 winning percentage in the regular season is the highest of any head coach to complete a full season. Adrian Griffin had a .698 winning percentage when he was fired.

Budenholzer has a .604 winning percentage throughout the course of his career, which is 24th in NBA history.

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