After missing the NBA playoffs with the largest payroll in NBA history, the Phoenix Suns have fired head coach Mike Budenholzer.

After missing the NBA playoffs and play-in tournament with the largest payroll in league history, the Phoenix Suns have fired head coach Mike Budenholzer, the team announced Monday. Phoenix finished 36-46 under Budenholzer’s leadership, despite high expectations. The Suns’ performance, especially their struggles with defensive efficiency and failure to meet expectations with a star-studded roster, led to the decision. Suns’ owner Mat Ishbia and CEO Josh Bartelstein have now made changes to the coaching staff for the third consecutive offseason. The Suns will begin a coaching search after Budenholzer’s tenure ended with disappointing results, including a record-setting losing streak.

Budenholzer, hired on a five-year, $50 million contract, struggled to connect with key players like Devin Booker, which ultimately led to his dismissal. Despite an initial 8-1 start, the team couldn’t sustain success, losing eight consecutive games in March and April by double digits, the longest such streak in franchise history. Defensive inefficiency was a major issue, with the Suns ranked among the worst teams in NBA defense this season. The Suns’ management is now focused on retooling around Booker, with potential trades involving key players like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

As the Suns move forward, they will look to rebuild with an emphasis on player-coach chemistry, hoping to achieve better results next season.