2025 Phoenix Suns Next Coach Odds: Who Will Replace Budenholzer?

The Phoenix Suns fired their head coach – again

Mike Budenholzer is out.

So, who will be the next to take the reins in Phoenix?

There are multiple candidates for Suns owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and general manager James Jones to consider. The team reportedly plans to conduct an extensive search.

Landing a top-tier candidate may prove difficult. Whoever gets the job will become the fourth Suns head coach in four seasons—a potentially tough sell for coaches with other options. Complicating matters, the incoming coach will inherit a roster likely to look significantly different than the one that finished this past season. Suns forward Kevin Durant headlines a list of NBA stars who could be on the move this summer.

Phoenix missed the playoffs entirely, finishing 36–46 after a strong 8–1 start. The Suns dropped 18 of their final 28 games after the All-Star break and posted a dismal 12–32 record against teams above .500.

“Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season. Our fans deserve better. Change is needed,” the team said in a statement.

The Suns won 49 games last season under Frank Vogel and earned the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. This year, the team’s defense faltered badly in a deep and competitive West.

Bookies.com veteran oddsmaker Adam Thompson has put together hypothetical NBA betting odds for who the Suns will hire as the team’s next head coach.
 

Odds above have been created by Bookies.com Senior Handicapper Adam Thompson and do not reflect odds that may be available on legal betting apps.

Phoenix Suns – Next Head Coach Breakdown

Mike Malone, former Nuggets HC (+350)

Mike Malone was fired by the Denver Nuggets on April 8 after nearly a decade with the franchise. His dismissal, 79 games into the season, marked the latest in-season firing in NBA history. Despite that, the Nuggets won 50 games and secured the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. Malone will be a sought-after candidate—just maybe not in Sacramento, where he previously coached from 2013–2014.

Taylor Jenkins, former Grizzlies HC (+450)

The Memphis Grizzlies parted ways with Taylor Jenkins with just nine games remaining in the season. After navigating the turbulence surrounding Ja Morant, Jenkins is no stranger to managing adversity—an asset the Suns may value.

Willie Green, Pelicans HC (+550)

The Pelicans fired their general manager, but Willie Green remains in place as head coach—for now. New Orleans limped to a 21–61 finish this past season, casting uncertainty over Green’s long-term future.

Chris Quinn, Heat AC (+750)

Chris Quinn is a frequent mention whenever a head coaching vacancy opens. A former NBA point guard, Quinn is highly regarded for his ability to relate to today’s players—a trait Phoenix may prioritize in its next hire.

James Borrego, Pelicans Associate HC (+800)

If hired, this would mark James Borrego’s third stint as an NBA head coach. He briefly led the Orlando Magic in 2015 and coached the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022. His fate in New Orleans may be tied to whether the Pelicans retain Willie Green.

Micah Nori, Timberwolves AC (+950)

Micah Nori has been on NBA benches since 2009, serving as an assistant for five different franchises. He’s currently part of the Minnesota Timberwolves' staff and is viewed as a steady, experienced voice.

Darvin Ham, Bucks AC (+1150)

Darvin Ham served as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers from 2022 to 2024. His first year included a trip to the Western Conference Finals, though the team was eliminated in the first round the following season. He’s now on the Bucks’ coaching staff and remains in the mix for future head coaching jobs.

Steve Nash, former Nets HC (+1400)

A return to Phoenix would be a headline-grabbing move for Steve Nash, a two-time MVP. Drafted 15th overall by the Suns in 1996, Nash played two seasons in Phoenix before returning for an eight-year run starting in 2004. He previously coached the Brooklyn Nets for two seasons and remains a beloved figure in the Valley.

Sam Cassell, Celtics AC (+1400)

Sam Cassell provided veteran leadership as an assistant during Boston’s Banner 18 run under Joe Mazzulla. A three-time NBA champion as a player, Cassell has been an assistant coach since 2008 but is still waiting for his first head coaching opportunity.