Inside the Phoenix Suns’ Head Coach Search: A Deep Dive Into a Franchise at a Crossroads
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Introduction: Phoenix in Transition
As the 2025 NBA offseason heats up, one storyline dominating headlines is the Phoenix Suns’ head coach search. According to sources from The Arizona Republic, the Suns have conducted more than 15 interviews during the initial stages of their search and are reportedly making “great progress.” This intensive vetting process signals a franchise determined to get its next move right—a pivotal decision that could shape the team’s trajectory for years to come.
With a talented but aging core of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, and after an underwhelming playoff performance, Phoenix finds itself at a critical juncture. The firing of Frank Vogel after just one season marked the latest in a series of high-stakes moves made under the ownership of Mat Ishbia, who acquired the team in 2023 with a bold, win-now vision.
This article explores the Suns’ coaching search in detail—covering the candidates, the organizational dynamics, and what’s truly at stake.
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The Context: Why the Change?
Frank Vogel, hired in June 2023, was brought in with championship pedigree, having won the 2020 NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, despite the blockbuster addition of Bradley Beal to an already star-studded lineup, the Suns failed to make a deep postseason run in 2024–25, exiting in the first round. Offensive inconsistency, defensive regression, and chemistry issues plagued the team throughout the year.
Reports of misalignment between Vogel’s coaching style and the players’ strengths further fueled the decision to part ways. Sources inside the organization also suggested that Vogel struggled to gain full buy-in from the locker room, an issue compounded by the lack of depth and injury challenges.
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A Thorough Process: Over 15 Interviews
Unlike their last search—which was resolved relatively quickly—the Suns are now taking a more deliberate and exhaustive approach. According to insiders, more than 15 interviews have been conducted in the first round alone. Team President James Jones and owner Mat Ishbia are reportedly leading the process, with Ishbia taking a particularly hands-on role.
The list of interviewees spans a broad spectrum: established head coaches, top assistants, former players, and rising stars in the coaching world. This approach reflects a desire not just for Xs and Os mastery, but for leadership, innovation, and an ability to galvanize a high-pressure, high-expectation environment.
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Top Candidates: The Frontrunners
Mike Budenholzer – Hired (Confirmed)
Just as this piece was going to press, the Suns confirmed the hiring of Mike Budenholzer, the 2021 NBA champion and former head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks. Budenholzer’s extensive résumé, headlined by a reputation for team structure, defense, and consistent regular-season success, made him the top choice.
Willie Green (New Orleans Pelicans)
A fan favorite and a former Suns assistant, Green has gained respect for his work with the Pelicans. His teams play hard-nosed, defensive basketball, and he has built a strong rapport with young and veteran players alike. While his current job is secure, his name surfaced due to his strong ties to Phoenix.
Jordi Fernández (Sacramento Kings Assistant)
One of the hottest names in coaching circles, Fernández is known for his analytical mind and his work in player development. As part of the Kings’ revitalized coaching staff, he’s earned praise for his communication skills and tactical flexibility.
Kevin Young (Former Suns Associate HC)
Young, who served as associate head coach under both Monty Williams and Frank Vogel, interviewed for the job last year and was seriously considered. He remains highly respected within the organization and maintains strong relationships with Booker and Durant. However, the team may have opted for a fresh start this time.
Sam Cassell (Boston Celtics Assistant)
Cassell has long been viewed as a future NBA head coach. He brings championship experience as a player and a mentor’s touch as an assistant. His commanding presence and credibility with stars could make him a compelling fit for a team looking to align its veterans.
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Inside the Interview Room: What the Suns Are Looking For
Several sources close to the process have detailed what the Suns are prioritizing:
1. Leadership and Communication
The Suns want a coach who commands respect but also connects authentically with players. Given the high-profile personalities in the locker room, interpersonal acumen is a must.
2. Offensive Creativity
While the team is loaded with scorers, the offensive schemes under Vogel were often criticized as stagnant. The next coach must install a dynamic, modern offense that maximizes spacing and pace.
3. Accountability and Culture
The front office has emphasized accountability as a missing ingredient last season. The new coach is expected to establish clear standards—on and off the court.
4. Player Development
With limited cap flexibility, the Suns must develop young players and lower-salaried role players to supplement their stars. A coach with a development track record is valued.
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Organizational Dynamics: The Role of Ishbia and Jones
Mat Ishbia’s involvement in basketball decisions has been extensive since taking over. Some insiders say his aggressive, hands-on style brings energy, while others caution it can blur roles traditionally reserved for the basketball operations department.
James Jones, a former NBA player and longtime GM, remains the key basketball executive, but his role has shifted slightly under Ishbia’s leadership. The coach hire appears to be a collaborative process, with Ishbia having significant say.
Sources also indicate that players—especially Devin Booker—have been consulted throughout the process, though not granted decision-making power.
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What’s at Stake?
This is more than just a coaching hire—it’s a defining moment for the Suns franchise. They are operating under immense pressure:
A Championship Window: With Durant approaching 37 and Beal’s contract weighing down future flexibility, the Suns need to win now. A failed hire could cost them their best chance at a title.
Player Satisfaction: Devin Booker remains the face of the franchise. Keeping him happy and engaged is crucial. A coach who aligns with his personality and play style could be a stabilizing force.
Public Perception: After back-to-back coaching changes and aggressive trades, the Suns’ front office faces scrutiny. The next coach must deliver results and restore a sense of direction.
Longevity and Identity: The Suns have cycled through coaches rapidly in recent years. This hire is also about establishing a long-term identity that can outlast any one star’s tenure.
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The Budenholzer Era Begins
With the announcement of Mike Budenholzer’s hiring, the Suns have landed a veteran coach with championship credentials and a reputation for discipline and structure. His coaching style will be a marked contrast from Vogel’s, and he brings the gravitas needed to manage star egos and media pressure in Phoenix.
Still, questions remain: Can Budenholzer adapt his system to a roster that lacks size and traditional playmaking? Will he prioritize rest and load management for aging stars? And how will he integrate younger talent amid a top-heavy salary structure?
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Conclusion: A Franchise in Motion
The Phoenix Suns’ coaching search reflects the complexity of their situation: an elite roster with immediate expectations, a new ownership eager to win, and a fanbase hungry for its first NBA title. While the hiring of Mike Budenholzer ends one chapter, it begins another—one filled with potential, pressure, and the promise of redemption.
Whether the Suns can finally turn their star-studded lineup into a championship reality will depend not only on Budenholzer’s coaching but also on the organization’s ability to find cohesion, build trust, and embrace accountability.
As training camp looms, the spotlight is now firmly fixed on the Valley of the Sun.
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