Phoenix Suns: 2-Time NBA Coach of the Year Awardee Emerges as the Clear Favorite to Replace Frank Vogel

And according to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski , the Phoenix Suns have identified Mike Budenholzer as the top candidate for the coaching vacancy, as both sides are reportedly nearing an agreement.

The impending hiring of the former Milwaukee Bucks coach further signifies Mat Ishbia’s willingness to go all-in with his small window with Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker on the roster. Mike Budenholzer is poised to become the team’s third head coach in three seasons since Mat Ishbia bought the team in late 2022.

Is Mike Budenholzer the right hire for the Phoenix Suns?

Mike Budenholzer knows a thing or two about guiding a team to the promised land, which he did with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020-21 when they ironically beat the Phoenix Suns (under Monty Williams and without Mat Ishbia) in six games in the NBA Finals.

The two-time NBA Coach of the Year award winner is known for his defensive acumen, which the Phoenix Suns need after they had a mediocre 114.6 defensive rating during the regular season, although to be fair, Budenholzer had a guy like Giannis Antetokounmpo in his squad.

Budenholzer, an Arizona native, has amassed a 271-120 win-loss record in his five seasons coaching the Milwaukee Bucks.

He was fired by the Milwaukee Bucks last spring and was replaced by Adrian Griffin and then Doc Rivers. Before the Milwaukee Bucks job, Mike Budenholzer was a long-time assistant for the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich and had a five-year head coaching stint with the Atlanta Hawks.