PHOENIX — With the release of head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one season, the Phoenix Suns’ front office will now need to find a new head coach for the 2025–2026 season. The question is, who would be the best fit?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Michael Malone, former head coach of the Denver Nuggets, seems like a viable option. Malone led Denver to a title in 2023 and was unceremoniously fired earlier this month. With playoff and championship experience, Malone could push the Suns to another playoff run under his coaching.
Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Steve Nash, a former Suns cornerstone, is also rumored to pick up the position with his old team. Nash played for the Suns from 1996 to 1998 and again from 2004 to 2012. He was head coach for the Brooklyn Nets from 2020 to 2022, and although he hasn’t coached since then, his familiarity with the organization could be a factor in hiring him.
Oct 21, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash coaches against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Pelicans head coach, Willie Green, is another possible candidate. With a disappointing finish to the season, the New Orleans front office did consider letting him go but ultimately let him finish out the season. It’s uncertain where his future lies, but a fresh face in the Suns’ coaching staff could help change things around.
Willie Green is No. 1 on my list of candidates to be the next head coach of the Phoenix Suns.
He’s a former player, young, has a strong relationship with Devin Booker, is someone James Jones is familiar with, and was instrumental as an assistant during the 2021 Finals run. https://t.co/DBLBqZ6CbF
— Inside the Sun (@_insidethesun) April 14, 2025
Micah Nori, assistant coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, has been offered head coach positions among teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. He took over as head coach for Minnesota during the playoffs last year, thus giving him experience under those circumstances. Nori’s expertise in situational analytics could help the Suns in the one area that lacked all season long: its defense.
It’s still too early to tell who will get the job, but the Suns will need to keep an open mind as it will be hiring its fourth head coach in four seasons.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
BREAKING: Phoenix Suns fire head coach Mike Budenholzer after embarrassing season
