Reaction to the Milwaukee Bucks dismissing Coach Mike Budenholzer

For the first time in five years, the Milwaukee Bucks are about to open up a search for a brand new head coach.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bucks have dismissed Mike Budenholzer after the team’s recent early playoff exit. Budenholzer helped the Bucks win their first championship since the 1970s in 2021, and the team was consistently among the best in the league year in and year out. Now, the Bucks will look for a new voice to lead the way in what will be a pivotal off-season.

Reaction to the Milwaukee Bucks dismissing Coach Mike Budenholzer

It seemed 50-50 whether or not this move would be made. While the Bucks were bounced out of the playoffs early, Budenholzer did have that championship under his belt and was working with an injured Giannis Antetokounmpo against the Miami Heat this year. There was a chance this team may have run it back one more time, but the front office in Milwaukee was clearly ready to move in a different direction next season.

If he so desires, it should not take Budenholzer long to find another job. He’s an excellent coach as it pertains to floor raising. He helped a Milwaukee team that had not won a playoff series in nearly 20 years reach the conference finals in his first season as coach. Several teams looking to take the next step will likely be knocking at his door immediately.

With Budenholzer out, the question is who will be the team’s next coach. The two most popular names floating around are Nick Nurse and Frank Vogel. Both have won championships within the past four years and would fit nicely on a team that is built to contend now. Wojnarowski said that this Milwaukee opening will undoubtedly be attractive for coaches and that the team will take its time looking for the right fit, so they will likely interview a slew of different coaching candidates.

It was recently revealed that Budenholzer’s brother had passed away during the Bucks’ first round series against the Heat, and we hope he is doing well during this incredibly difficult time.

Stay tuned for more updates on who exactly may be the next coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.