Apr 7, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts in the second quarter during game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at Milwaukee Bucks
(New York, NY) — The Milwaukee Bucks have fired Mike Budenholzer as their head coach after a stunning playoff exit in the NBA playoffs.
“The decision to make this change was very difficult,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement Thursday. “Bud helped lead our team for five incredible seasons, to the Bucks’ first title in 50 years, and into an era of sustained success. We are grateful for the culture of winning and leadership that Bud helped create in Milwaukee.”
It appears that Milwaukee has pinned their first round loss to the Miami Heat on Budenholzer.
After finishing the season with the NBA’s best record, they lost 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs. They were without Giannis Antetokounmpo for most of Game 1 and all of Games 2 and 3.
The dismissal put the cap on a tragic week for the former head coach who lost his brother prior to Game 4 of the series, resulting from injuries sustained in a car accident.
Budenholzer had two years left on his deal worth approximately $16 million, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
“This is an opportunity for us to refocus and re energized our efforts as we continue building toward our next championship season.”
The Bucks will now be the most attractive job opening in the league.
