Twice named the NBA’s best coach (2015, 2019) and a champion after leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a title in 2021 after 50 years, Mike Budenholzer experienced two firings within the last two years.

Budenholzer is no longer the head coach of the Phoenix Suns. The decision came after it was evident that the team would not qualify for the playoffs.

The coach, originally from Arizona, was previously dismissed by Milwaukee following a first-round playoff defeat against Miami two years ago.

According to ESPN, Budenholzer struggled to build rapport with his players this season. Management determined that the team did not respond well to his coaching style, with communication issues particularly affecting star player Devin Booker and the rest of the roster.

It remains unclear who will become the next coach for the Suns, but reports indicate the franchise will undergo a significant search for a new head coach—marking the fourth change in as many seasons.

Budenholzer had signed a five-year, $50 million contract with Phoenix last summer.

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