Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer is no longer considering taking the Phoenix Suns’ head-coaching job, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Budenholzer received permission from the Hawks to meet with the Suns about the job, and then did so, earlier this week:
After several days of discussions, Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer is no longer considering the chance to
become Phoenix Suns’ next coach, league sources told ESPN.
Budenholzer met with Suns general manager Ryan McDonough and owner Robert Sarver early this week, but there was never traction on reaching a contract agreement as the week wore on, league sources said.
With Budenholzer out of the running, three new candidates have emerged, per John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7:
New name for the Suns coaching search – Phoenix will interview Utah assistant coach Igor Kokosov for their vacant head coaching job. Former Rockets coach Kevin McHale and Spurs assistant James Borrego are also candidates.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) April 20, 2018
Other candidates for the job reportedly include former Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale, current Suns interim head coach Jay Triano, Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford, Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel and former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt.
