Who could the Suns turn to if Vogel leaves after one season as coach?
The Phoenix Suns were eliminated from the 2024 NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, and a significant change could be on the way.
Just hours after Phoenix lost 122-116 in Game 4 to complete the sweep, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Suns will take a “hard look at making a full coaching change.” The source recorded multiple instances in which Vogel’s voice had little influence in a locker room populated with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Charania’s sources also stated that Durant was dissatisfied with his role in Vogel’s scheme, and cameras recorded Beal ignoring his head coach in the third quarter of Sunday’s loss.
When reporters queried Vogel about his job security before Game 4, he seemed assured. However, insider rumors suggest that his employment is under risk after just one season. Vogel led Phoenix to a 49-33 record and the sixth seed in a competitive Western Conference. However, given what owner Mat Ishbia is spending, a first-round departure may not suffice. This past season, the franchise placed third in payroll, spending $187 million excluding luxury tax penalties.
There will be significant debate in the coming weeks about whether the Suns should replace Vogel. If they do, Phoenix should consider three prospective alternatives.
JJ Redick
After interviewing for the vacant Charlotte Hornets head coaching position, Redick must now be considered as a viable option. Despite his lack of experience on the sidelines, Redick’s attraction is understandable. He played in the NBA for nearly 15 years, so he could be an effective player’s coach, and Redick spends a significant amount of his free time on his two podcasts breaking down high-level basketball principles.
This is the type of splashy hire one would anticipate from Ishbia, who purchased the Suns a year ago and quickly began spending big money. However, the Suns must win now.
It may be too much to expect Redick to learn how to be an NBA coach while simultaneously winning a lot of games and going deep in the playoffs.
Mike Budenholzer
Budenholzer’s playoff struggles have been well chronicled, and given Phoenix’s previous history, they are obviously cause for concern. However, there aren’t many championship-winning head coaches looking for a position. He would also address several of the difficulties that the Suns are supposedly facing, such as a lack of organization and vision. Budenholzer has his system and plenty of evidence that it works; he has a career coaching record of 484-317.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Budenholzer for the Suns is that you know precisely what you’re getting. He’ll plan the roster’s regular-season success and, if all goes as planned, win a couple postseason series. If Phoenix is looking for a high-floor coach, Budenholzer is the best option available.
Mark Jackson
Perhaps the time has finally come for Jackson to return to coaching. The former ESPN commentator has been connected to nearly every major head coaching position since losing his job with the Golden State Warriors. The most notable change is that Jackson no longer works for ESPN after being abruptly fired prior to the 2023-24 season.
Jackson’s final stint on the Warriors’ bench was marked by controversy, and he was unable to make a long postseason run with an ultimately dynastic squad led by Stephen Curry. Neither of these are significant selling factors. However, that was a decade ago at this time. Jackson is a huge name with previous coaching experience, and he cannot be counted out.
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