The Phoenix Suns will not retain former staff

The Phoenix Suns fell well short of their expectations in 2023-24. After entering the season with championship aspirations, they finished sixth in the Western Conference with a 49-33 record. The Suns were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Nearly two weeks after their season concluded, Phoenix fired head coach Frank Vogel.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN announced the news on Thursday, tweeting:

ESPN Sources: The Phoenix Suns dismissed coach Frank Vogel. The Suns — who won 49 regular-season games with league’s third-highest payroll and tax — were swept in opening-round series to Timberwolves. Mike Budenholzer will be prominent part of search. pic.twitter.com/SDTRkXxkrG

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 9, 2024

Two days later, Chris Haynes of TNT shared that Vogel’s assistant coaches will not be retained under incoming head coach Mike Budenholzer, who was hired on Friday. The NBA insider tweeted:

Phoenix Suns assistants under former head coach Frank Vogel were informed that they will not be retained by Mike Budenholzer, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 12, 2024

It should come as no surprise that Budenholzer will fill out his own staff. The 2021 champion received a five-year deal worth ‘$50-plus’ million. He will mark Phoenix’s third head coach in the past three seasons following Monty Williams and Vogel – who lasted just one season in the role.

Will Mike Budenholzer help the Phoenix Suns turn things around?

The 2023-24 Phoenix Suns were among the NBA’s biggest disappointments in recent memory. After trading for Bradley Beal in the offseason – and pairing him with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker – they failed to win a postseason game.

Durant was reportedly unhappy with his role in Frank Vogel’s offense. Meanwhile, Phoenix’s former head coach clashed with the front office as he wanted to add a true point guard. While they may attempt to correct that mistake in the offseason, the Suns will have limited assets available. They are already well over the luxury tax and have traded away most of their assets to acquire Beal and Durant.

Mike Budenholzer will have his hands full as he attempts to lead Phoenix to their first title in franchise history. He has proven, however, to be among the best coaches in the league. Budenholzer has won one championship and two Coach of the Year awards as a head coach, and four championships as an assistant coach.

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