Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer. Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Suns coach declines to comment on job security amid shocking Malone firing

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Connor Moreno | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 9:24 PM ET

PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer had the same reaction as many of us to the stunning dismissal of former Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone — “shocking.”

Malone joins Budenholzer in a exclusive group of head coaches being fired a mere few years after winning a championship; Frank Vogel and Nick Nurse being other notable names. Budenholzer was dismissed from the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023 after winning the NBA Finals against the Suns in 2021.

Budenholzer’s run with the Bucks pales in comparison to how his tenure in Phoenix has started. With four games remaining, Phoenix sits three games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the final spot in the Western Conference Play-In.

So, what does Budenholzer think about his own job security amid a severely disappointing season?

“I mean I’m just focused on tonight,” Budenholzer said ahead of their Tuesday night matchup against the Golden State Warriors. “I think we need to try and find a way to win a game tonight and that’s where my mind and our minds should be.”

Q: What's your evaluation where the season went south and was really hard to bring it back and what do you feel about your own status?

Mike Budenholzer: "I'm just focused on tonight. I think we need to try to find a way to win a game tonight and that's where my mind and our mind… pic.twitter.com/wDwiFEfxyn

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 9, 2025

Budenholzer’s job safety has been among the many main topics surrounding Phoenix this year. Will Suns owner Mat Ishbia cut his losses, admit defeat and let go of his third head coach in as many seasons? Or will he keep Budenholzer around in hopes of any semblance of continuity, contrary to his aggressive mindset as an owner.

Tuesday night's game might not help. The Suns were blown out, 133-95, by the Warriors.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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