NBA Swing: Four Potential Replacements for Bucks Head Coach

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On Thursday afternoon, the Milwaukee Bucks fired head coach Mike Budenholzer. In his five seasons as head coach, Bud led the Buck to a 263-119 record, including winning a championship in 2021. Surprisingly, Bud becomes the third coach who has won a championship in the last four years to be fired. His firing comes after the first-seeded Bucks lost their first-round series to the eight-seeded Miami Heat in five games. Budenholzer was heavily criticized during the first-round series, with many noting his lack of adjustments, especially in key moments. While Bud’s coaching was not the sole reason for Milwaukee’s early playoff exit, his dismissal may only be the first move the Bucks make with this team. As for the coaching vacancy, there are several candidates who could take the job.

Nick Nurse

Mike Budenholzer was not the first shocking head coach firing to happen this season. In late April, the Toronto Raptors fired Nick Nurse after five seasons as head coach. In his time as head coach, Nurse led the Raptors to a record of 237-170. Nurse led the team to the 2019 Championship and has coached numerous stars and superstars including Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and Marc Gasol. A coach with a championship pedigree, Nurse would be able to coach the Bucks with the goal of winning another championship. Easily one of the most in-demand unemployed coaches right now, Nick Nurse should be at the top of Milwaukee’s list when coaching interviews start.

Charles Lee

Milwaukee may not have to search far for a new head coach. They could look from within their own organization. An assistant for the Bucks, Charles Lee was a trusted assistant coach for Milwaukee and Budenholzer specifically. Prior to joining Bud’s coaching staff prior to the 2018-19 season, he was an assistant coach for Bud in four of his five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. Being promoted to head coach would allow the Bucks to have a familiar face leading the team. Already having relationships with players and the coaching staff, Lee would give the Bucks a new view while implementing the same coaching style. Lee has interviewed for several teams in the past but could find his first head coaching job where he is now. If Lee were to become head coach, he is another head coach to come from Budenholzer’s coaching tree. Prior to this season, Darvin Ham signed on as Lakers head coach following assistant roles under Bud in both Milwaukee and Atlanta.

Frank Vogel

Another championship-winning coach fired in the last year; Frank Vogel could be an underrated option for the Bucks. Vogel has coached great teams and great players. Vogel had a great start to his head coaching career, coaching the young Indiana Pacers teams that battled against the big three Miami Heat in the early to mid-2010s. After a short stop in Orlando, Vogel would become head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, leading them to a championship in 2020. Having coached players including LeBron James, Paul George, and Anthony Davis, Vogel would be a great coach for the Bucks. Vogel would also be a great help for the Bucks on the defensive end of the court, having top defenses in both Indiana and Los Angeles. Looking for a coach with a championship pedigree, Vogel is one of only a few coaches available.

Becky Hammon

After having one coach from the legendary Gregg Popovich coaching tree, why not have another? During her tenure as an assistant coach for Pop on the Spurs, Becky Hammon has been in rumors for numerous head coaching positions. Following her stint as an assistant, Hammon joined the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, leading them to a championship in her first season. Following Nick Nurse’s exit from Toronto, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Raptors received permission from the Aces to talk to Hammon. She has downplayed the rumors of coaching the Raptors, making it clear her focus is on the Aces. The Bucks are a different story though. A team that will be in championship contention next season. While she has not been in any rumors regarding the Bucks at the time of this writing, many outlets give Hammon high odds of becoming the next Milwaukee Bucks head coach