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Mat Ishbia seems to have a specific type in mind when it comes to selecting a coach, and it closely resembles the coach he just let go.
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Speaking to the press on Thursday, shortly after the dismissal of Mike Budenholzer, the Phoenix Suns’ owner expressed a precise yet somewhat paradoxical vision for the next coach. Budenholzer, previously with the Milwaukee Bucks, was released after just one season with the Suns.
“We are in search of someone who embodies the Phoenix Suns basketball ethos,” Ishbia declared. “We need a coach who really represents what I’m envisioning. Someone gritty, resilient, and tough. They need to have that edge.”
Based on that description, it may be worth considering rehiring Mike Budenholzer, who is currently available and fits the criteria well.
The Arizona Republic‘s Duane Rankin shared Ishbia’s full response.
“We did not compete hard enough. We did not make adjustments well enough. There’s a lot of things we could’ve done differently.”
Mat Ishbia on Suns season.
On what he’s looking for in a head coach: “Someone that’s a little bit grimy, a little bit grinder, a little bit tough.”… pic.twitter.com/UnjfhNDgz8
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 17, 2025
Ishbia also accepted responsibility for the Suns’ underwhelming performance. The team ended the season with a 36–46 record and failed to make the playoffs, despite boasting stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. With Budenholzer’s departure and potential trade discussions involving Durant, the franchise appears poised for an overhaul.
This transformation will begin with the appointment of a “grimy” new coach.
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