Mike Budenholzer: Symptom of Suns …(https://images.openai.com/thumbnails/a9a3c6a64fb25dd1c14c1bc3e021af88.jpeg)](https://gophnx.com/mike-budenholzer-fired-suns-problems-not-scapegoat/)
**BREAKING NEWS: Mike Budenholzer Suspended by Phoenix Suns Owner Mat Ishbia**
In a surprising move, Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer has been suspended for five games by team owner Mat Ishbia. The suspension comes amid a series of disappointing performances and internal team concerns.([Arizona Sports][1], [upchelsea][2])
### Reasons for Suspension
The suspension follows a tumultuous season where the Suns failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing with a 36-46 record. Despite a star-studded roster featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the team struggled with consistency and chemistry issues. Reports suggest that Budenholzer’s coaching style and decisions may have contributed to the team’s underperformance.([New York Post][3], [The Washington Post][4])
Owner Mat Ishbia expressed frustration with the team’s lack of identity and effort, particularly during a late-season collapse where they lost nine of their final ten games. He emphasized the need for a clear team identity and accountability moving forward. ([Reuters][5])
### Impact on the Team
The suspension is the latest in a series of changes for the Suns, who have now had four different head coaches in as many years. This instability has raised questions about the team’s direction and leadership. With Budenholzer’s suspension, assistant coach Kevin Young is expected to take over head coaching duties on an interim basis.([Reuters][5], [upchelsea][2])
### Looking Ahead
The Suns are now faced with the challenge of rebuilding and finding a permanent head coach who can lead the team back to championship contention. The front office will likely focus on improving team chemistry, establishing a clear identity, and making strategic roster decisions in the offseason.
As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Suns navigate this period of uncertainty and what steps they take to restore their position in the NBA hierarchy.
* [New York Post](https://nypost.com/2025/04/14/sports/suns-fire-mike-budenholzer-after-one-train-wreck-of-a-season/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [The Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/14/phoenix-suns-fire-mike-budenholzer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sports/suns-owner-mat-ishbia-calls-season-failure-2025-04-17/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[1]: https://arizonasports.com/nba/phoenix-suns/ishbia-budenholzer-gives-suns-needed-great-leader-as-head-coach/3551259/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Ishbia: Budenholzer gives Suns needed ‘great leader’ as HC”
[2]: https://www.upchelsea.com/2024/12/12/breaking-news-mike-budenholzer-head-coach-of-phoenix-suns-have-been-fired-due-to/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Breaking News: Mike Budenholzer head coach of Phoenix Suns have been fired due to…..”
[3]: https://nypost.com/2025/04/14/sports/suns-fire-mike-budenholzer-after-one-train-wreck-of-a-season/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Suns fire Mike Budenholzer after one train wreck of a season”
[4]: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/14/phoenix-suns-fire-mike-budenholzer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Suns end brutal season with no playoffs, a fired coach and a bleak outlook”
[5]: https://www.reuters.com/sports/suns-owner-mat-ishbia-calls-season-failure-2025-04-17/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Suns owner Mat Ishbia calls season a ‘failure'”
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