Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mike Budenholzer

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

How Mike Budenholzer built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.