By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Milwaukee Bucks front office just made a tough decision after firing head coach Mike Budenholzer following their first-round NBA playoff exit against the Miami Heat.
Milwaukee’s latest off-season change was confirmed last May 4, 2023, with the replacement still yet to be announced by the organization.
“The decision to make this change was very difficult. Bud helped lead our team to five incredible seasons, to the Bucks’ first title in 50 years, and into an era of sustained success,” said Bucks’ general manager Jon Horst.
Budenholzer was the architect behind Milwaukee’s resurgence in the NBA and led them to a terrific championship title last 2021 when they defeated the Phoenix Suns in six games.
Through his five-year tenure with the Milwaukee organization, the seasoned tactician garnered an incredible win-loss record of 271-120.
Since arriving with the Bucks, Budenholzer helped them reach the NBA playoffs every year and were the favorites to win the title this season.
However, Jimmy Butler and Miami had other plans and pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NBA playoff history when they dispatched the no.1 seed squad in just five games as the last seed.
The two-time NBA Coach of the Year then drew tons of criticisms after melting down for two-straight games when they led by as much as double digits but still lost to Miami in games 4 and 5.
“We are grateful for the culture of winning and leadership that Bud helped create in Milwaukee. This is an opportunity for us to refocus and reenergize our efforts as we continue building toward our next championship season,” added Horst.
