“The biggest message I want you to hear is that I would coach this team if it was on the moon. I would coach this team if it was in Alaska. If these players were in Denmark. These owners in the front office. I would go anywhere to coach this team.” This is how Mike Budenholzer expressed his feelings during his introductory press conference about the Suns. With a mixed feeling of nostalgia and excitement shimmering in his eyes about returning to his hometown, Holbrook, Arizona, he couldn’t help but get a little teary-eyed. But those emotions quickly shifted as he spoke about his new role with the Suns. “It’s mind-boggling to me, like mind-blowing, to think that I’m going to be the head coach of the Phoenix Suns,” he said.

At 55, Coach Bud stepped in as the head coach of the Suns, replacing Frank Vogel after a disappointing season.  With the formidable talents of All-Stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, he knows the stakes are high. “I’m excited about working with this roster and these players. We have great players. And with great players come great expectations. I think we embrace that.” He said, eyes gleaming with determination.

Having previously led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, Budenholzer brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Spurs, Hawks, and Bucks. As he takes the helm of the Suns, the question remains: How much will the Suns invest in his proven coaching abilities?

“Take us to the next level” – Mike Budenholzer’s contract with the Phoenix Suns

“We’re excited to name Mike as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns and bring him back to his home state of Arizona. Mike has proven himself to be among the most successful head coaches in the NBA. He is the right leader to take us to the next level and reach our championship goals.” This is how team owner Mat Ishbia welcomed him. Following his coaching success and commitment to the Suns, the team offered him a multiyear contract extension this season. And now this is what his contract looks like:

Coach Bud’s contract with the Suns underscores the franchise’s strong commitment to him. This substantial investment highlights the high expectations for his leadership and strategic vision as he aims to leverage the team’s star power. His leadership is already yielding positive results, evidenced by the Suns winning three out of their five preseason games, along with an impressive season-opener victory against the Clippers. With this strong start, he proves he is worth every penny. As he leads this pivotal role, it’s worth comparing his contract to those of other top-paid coaches in the NBA.

NBA Coaching Salaries: Who’s on top?

Mike Budenholzer, earning $10 million per season, has established himself as a competitive figure among NBA coaches. But how does his salary stack up against the league’s elite?

In this comparison, Coach Bud ranks 5th among the highest-paid coaches, alongside the Bucks’ Doc Rivers. With a career record of 484-317 and a championship under his belt, he is recognized as one of the top coaches in the NBA. As he moves forward, his potential for accolades and earnings looks promising. With a strong preseason and an encouraging start to the regular season, the question remains: Will he lead the team to a championship?