Candidates shortlisted for Phoenix Suns head coach role - “a stabilizer, a mainstay”

The Phoenix Suns have been labeled the NBA’s biggest disappointment of the 2024–25 season – and the fallout has already begun. After finishing with a 36–46 record and failing to make the playoffs, the team has fired head coach Mike Budenholzer, just one year into his five-year deal.

Who’s next as head coach at the Suns?

The decision adds to the instability surrounding the franchise, which has now changed head coaches in each of the past three seasons and will enter the 2025–26 campaign with a fourth. The Suns, owned by Mat Ishbia, must now turn their focus to rebuilding around a star-studded but underperforming roster that includes Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

According to reporter Chris Haynes on The Haynes Briefs Show podcast, Phoenix is already evaluating a wide range of coaching candidates. Among those with prior head coaching experience are Mike Brown (formerly of the Sacramento Kings), David Fizdale (ex-Grizzlies and Knicks), and Willie Green, who is still under contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Suns are also considering several current assistants from around the league, including Jared Dudley and Sean Sweeney (Mavericks), Chris Quinn (Heat), Johnnie Bryant (Cavaliers), and Royal Ivey (Rockets). Another name in the mix is Kevin Young, currently the head coach at BYU in the NCAA.

Listen to Haynes talk about the situation below, with his candidate round up starting at 9:40.

A revolving door in Phoenix

Since the 2014–15 season, the Suns have had seven different head coaches, with only one lasting more than a full season. That list includes Jeff Hornacek (2014–2016), Earl Watson (2016–2017), Jay Triano (2017–18), Igor Kokoškov (2018–19), Monty Williams (2019–2023), Frank Vogel (2023–24), and most recently, Budenholzer.

A $40 million parting gift

When Phoenix hired Budenholzer in May 2024, it was with a five-year deal reportedly worth [$50 million / €46.300.000]. With just one season completed, the franchise still owes him an estimated [$40 million / €37.000.000].

Now, the Suns are left with a bloated payroll, no postseason basketball, and an urgent need for leadership – both on and off the court.

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