Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts on the bench against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suns’ reported coaching choice hints at full culture reset in Phoenix
Ishbia wants to go in a different direction.
The Phoenix Suns fired Mike Budenholzer shortly after the season ended. Phoenix started the season off on a high note, winning eight of its first nine games, but finished as the No. 11 seed in the West, missing the Play-In Tournament.
Budenholzer marked the third coach the Suns fired in as many seasons, following Frank Vogel’s firing in 2024 and Monty Williams’ in 2023. The hope is that Phoenix won’t fire another head coach again in 2026.
Mat Ishbia said the Suns are in no rush to hire their next head coach, emphasizing that Phoenix wants to find the “right” person. NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that James Jones has been “operating as the point guard” for the Suns’ head coach search. Jones’ contract is set to expire this summer, so it’s interesting that he is the one in charge.
On Tuesday, Phoenix fans gained more insight into the kind of head coach the team is seeking. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that there is a “strong belief” that the Suns will target a “young, first-time NBA head coach to fill their vacancy.” Scotto listed Cleveland’s Jordan Ott and Oklahoma City’s Dave Bliss as two assistant coaches who are expected to draw interest from Phoenix.
