History of Mike Budenholzer in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 2, 2025

Mike Budenholzer is an American professional basketball coach currently serving as the head coach for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. He's known for his coaching career in professional basketball, specifically within the NBA. Budenholzer has held significant coaching positions throughout his career, demonstrating experience and expertise in the sport.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 6, 1969: Michael Vincent Budenholzer Born

On August 6, 1969, Michael Vincent Budenholzer was born. He is now an American professional basketball coach and the head coach of the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

1991: Played in the Scottish National Basketball League

In 1991, Budenholzer played for the Pentland in the Scottish National Basketball League for four months while attending University of Edinburgh.

1993: Played and Coached in Denmark

In 1993, Budenholzer played professionally for Vejle Basketball Klub in Denmark, averaging a team-high 27.5 points per game, and served as head coach for two teams of the club's youth system.

1993: Named Outstanding Senior Athlete

In 1993, Budenholzer was named the Outstanding Senior Athlete at Pomona College, where he was a four-year letterman in basketball and golf.

1994: Hired as Video Coordinator for San Antonio Spurs

In 1994, Budenholzer was hired by the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA as a video coordinator.

1996: Named Assistant Coach for San Antonio Spurs

In 1996, Budenholzer was named an assistant coach under head coach Gregg Popovich for the San Antonio Spurs.

1997: Father Retired From Coaching

In 1997, Budenholzer's father, Vince Budenholzer, retired after coaching high school and college basketball teams in Arizona for 25 years.

1998: Knicks reach the NBA finals

In 1998-99, the New York Knicks became the first eight-seed to reach the NBA Finals. The Bucks loss to Miami was compared to this historical fact.

2013: Leaves Spurs, hired as Hawks Head Coach

At the end of the 2013 NBA playoffs, Budenholzer left the San Antonio Spurs to become the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks.

December 2014: Named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month

In December 2014, Budenholzer was named the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month after leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 14–2 record for the month.

2014: Hawks Qualify for Eastern Conference Playoffs

In 2014, Budenholzer's first season as head coach, the Atlanta Hawks qualified for the Eastern Conference playoffs as the 8th seed and lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round.

January 2015: Named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month Again

In January 2015, Budenholzer was named the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month after leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 17-0 record for the month, making it the first time in NBA history.

June 30, 2015: Promoted to President of Basketball Operations

On June 30, 2015, Budenholzer was promoted to president of basketball operations for the Atlanta Hawks, in addition to his duties as head coach.

August 1, 2015: Assistant Coach at NBA Africa Exhibition Game

On August 1, 2015, Budenholzer served as Team Africa's assistant coach at the 2015 NBA Africa exhibition game.

September 19, 2015: Inducted into Pomona–Pitzer Hall of Fame

On September 19, 2015, Budenholzer was inducted into the Pomona–Pitzer Hall of Fame.

April 25, 2018: Agreed to Part Ways with Hawks

On April 25, 2018, Budenholzer and the Atlanta Hawks agreed to part ways. He was previously removed as president of basketball operations on May 5, 2017.

May 17, 2018: Announced as Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach

On May 17, 2018, the Milwaukee Bucks announced Budenholzer as their head coach.

2019: Named NBA Coach of the Year

In 2019, Budenholzer won the NBA Coach of the Year for the second time in his career and also won the National Basketball Coaches Association's Coach of the Year Award.

July 20, 2021: Led Bucks to NBA Championship

On July 20, 2021, Budenholzer led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship, defeating the Phoenix Suns in six games.

August 24, 2021: Signed Contract Extension with Bucks

On August 24, 2021, the Bucks signed Budenholzer to a multi-year contract extension.

2021: Led Bucks to Third Seed in Eastern Conference

In the 2021-22 season, Budenholzer led the Milwaukee Bucks to the third seed in the Eastern Conference for the second straight year.

2022: Bucks Regular Season

In the 2022-23 season, the Bucks finished with the best record in the league

April 24, 2023: Brother Died in Car Accident

Prior to Game 4 versus the Miami Heat during the First Round of the 2023 NBA playoffs on April 24, 2023, one of Budenholzer's brothers died in a car accident.