The Phoenix Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after one nightmare season. He won a championship leading the Bucks in 2021 but was not the right choice in Valley of the Sun. From disputes with multiple players to baffling on-court decisions, it was time and owner Mat Ishbia quickly talked about the franchise wanting to play with a different identity under their next head coach.
The Suns want a defensive identity. Ishbia noted that grit, grind, and work ethic are traits he believes his team must embody. The owner also compared what he is looking for to the Steelers or his alma mater Michigan State. Several changes are coming in Phoenix, and the perfect head coach to make this plan a reality is clear.
The Clippers are slowing down Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in a tightly contested playoff series. They have assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy to thank for that. The longtime head coach and broadcaster has drawn tons of praise and would be perfect for the Suns.
Jeff Van Gundy should be Suns next head coach
The 63-year-old spent 11 seasons as a head coach from 1995 to 2007. His teams reached the playoffs nine times, including the Knicks winning the Eastern Conference in 1999. Van Gundy went on to spend years broadcasting for ESPN before jumping back into the coaching ranks this season in LA.
Ivica Zubac is tasked with guarding Jokic in this series and has done as well as anyone against the three-time MVP. The big man had a breakout season and credits Van Gundy with his defensive improvement.
The Clippers are exceeding expectations. After Paul George left in free agency, there were questions about LA even making the playoffs. Those only got louder with Kawhi Leonard sidelined to begin this season, but the Clippers quickly shut up the critics. The addition of Van Gundy and his role in their defensive improvements have been a massive reason why.
JVG could help the Suns turn things around too. Phoenix may want a younger head coach after firing Monty Williams, Frank Vogel, and Budenholzer in the last three years, but Van Gundy’s experience and track record make him the perfect choice. That is even more real if Phoenix sticks to Ishbia’s stance on rebuilding. If the Suns are trying to win the maximum games possible next season, Jeff Van Gundy should be their head coach.
The Clippers have held the Nuggets to 98 and 102 points in the first two games of their playoff series. Jeff Van Gundy knows how to coach and improve a defense. All the Suns have to do is convince him to take the job.