About
Biography
Mike Budenholzer, born on August 6, 1969, is an American professional basketball coach and former player. He played college basketball at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges, where he was recognized for his leadership and skill on the court. After graduating in 1993, Budenholzer began his coaching career as an assistant at the University of Texas at San Antonio before making his way into the NBA.
Budenholzer gained prominence as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs under head coach Gregg Popovich from 1996 to 2013. During his tenure, the Spurs won multiple NBA championships, and Budenholzer was pivotal in implementing the team’s strategic and innovative playing style. In 2013, he became the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, leading the franchise to multiple playoff appearances and earning the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2015.
In 2018, Budenholzer was hired as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, where he significantly impacted the team's performance. Under his leadership, the Bucks won the NBA Championship in 2021, marking the franchise's first title in 50 years. Budenholzer is widely regarded for his emphasis on ball movement and three-point shooting, leaving a lasting legacy in the league as a coach known for fostering sustained success and development in his teams.