With all the news and drama unfolding with the Phoenix Suns, it only increases daily. Today, an abundance of information was piled in front of us, starting with Devin Booker calling out head coach Mike Budenholzer, who told Booker to “tone down vocally.” A recent update from Phoenix sports radio host John Gambadoro lets us know that the issue is only getting worse. Phoenix has some head coach issues, which is a repeating dilemma. The Suns have had three different head coaches over the past three seasons, and it looks like the fourth will be here sooner rather than later. Let’s dive in and explore the Suns’ head coach problems.
Suns Head Coach Problems Only Increasing
The latest Dilemma
More news is piling in today on this coach Budenholzer situation, which has led me to speculate it could be over before this season. Recent reports show that the coach is “miserable to deal with.” From the quotes from Chris B. Haynes referring to Devin Booker and Mike Budenholzer earlier today, this is more ammo to pile on top. For the Suns though, blaming the coach again is a familiar tactic. The carousel has continued for the last three seasons, but no one has stuck for a year. The Suns look back at a team led by Frank Vogel, who had a worse roster, and put up better statistics than this.
From @Gambo987: Inside the Suns organization, “Mike Budenholzer is miserable to deal with.” pic.twitter.com/EZeUEyETA9
— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) February 28, 2025
There is some blame for Budenholzer. His rotations have been lackluster, and his ability to maintain relationships with players has not been great. Ultimately, it is clear that this team needs to go in a different direction. The question now is how soon that will happen.
Is Coach Gone Before the Season Ends?
If you were to ask me this a week ago, I would have said there is no chance. With recent reports, though, it seems more inevitable than ever that he will be gone before the season ends. The fact that he has already ruptured one relationship with Jusuf Nurkic and another with Devin Booker, the star player, shows it is beyond repair. Even Kevin Durant was frustrated with the Suns’ head coach problems and vocalized about it mid-game.
"You need somebody who can guard."
Kevin Durant to Mike Budenholzer.
Suns down nine as Fox scores. #Suns
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 21, 2025
The outcome of their back-to-back games against the New Orleans Pelicans should dictate whether he is here beyond this weekend.
What Happens Next?
If the Suns enter this scenario tonight or this weekend, here is what to look for: David Fizdale becomes the interim head coach for the season. Fizdale was also on the staff last season and has been known to be a solid defensive-minded head coach who can connect with the players, something this team lacks.
The Last Word
Depending on the outcome, the Suns would decide what they do long term. If Fizdale was seen as successful it would be great. The Suns could keep him and have him be part of this core with the stars. Who knows, this convinces the stars to want to stay. Even if it does go south, the Suns would be on the carousel again, searching for the prime head coach.
© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
