The NBA is constantly evolving, and some of the most significant changes occur in the coaching world.
Seemingly now more than ever, there are many fired yet experienced coaches who are now free agents in 2025.
The 2024-25 NBA season began with three new head coaches: JJ Redick (Lakers), Charles Lee (Hornets), and Jordi Fernandez (Nets). As the season progressed, the Kings, Grizzlies, and Nuggets all opted to move on from their leaders at the helm in shocking fashions.
On Monday, the Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after only one season with the organization.
In this article, we’ll learn more about the coaches that could be hired in the summer of 2025.
Michael Malone
Michael Malone is sure to be a top commodity this summer.
With only three games left in the regular season, the Nuggets made the shellshocking decision to fire both Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. This absolutely shook the NBA landscape, and Nuggets president Josh Kroenke later questioned that decision in a press conference last week.
Malone is also the winningest coach in Nuggets franchise history. Since he was hired in 2015, he set a 471-327 record across 10 NBA seasons, including a championship run only two seasons ago. Interim head coach Josh Kroenke has big shoes to fill with little time to adjust. Game 1 of Nuggets vs. Clippers tips off Sunday afternoon.
While many will question for some time whether Malone should have been let go, the 53-year-old probably won’t be upset for long as there will likely be a line out the door for his services come the offseason.
Taylor Jenkins
As you can never predict the outcome of gambling online, on sites like https://ruletka77.com, you can’t predict what will happen in the NBA.
Like the Malone firing, everyone was shocked when the Memphis Grizzlies let Taylor Jenkins go. The timing of this one was out of nowhere, too, as it happened with only 11 games before the season’s end.
Taylor Jenkins was the fifth-longest-standing NBA coach. He spent six seasons in Memphis, during which he became the franchise’s winningest coach, surpassing Lionel Hollins in the process.
His career record stands at 250-214, and it’s also notable that he coached the most games in franchise history.
During his tenure, however, Memphis advanced past the first round only once in three tries. Still, fans and basketball players will remember Jenkins as a strong leader, as he helped guide the team to a 56-win season just three years ago.
Therefore, he is now a strong candidate for other teams looking for an experienced coach who will help them take their next step.
Mike Budenholzer
The aforementioned Mike Budenholzer is a free agent yet again after one uninspiring year in Arizona.
Some may say, “this was way too early, he didn’t get enough time to build something”. While true, it’s clear there was friction between Budenholzer and Suns owner Mat Ishbia.
Suns guard Bradley Beal also had issues with Budenholzer, taking exception to Coach Bud’s comments about how he should be “this team’s Jrue Holiday.”
Despite his short tenure with the Suns, Budenholzer is still an NBA Champion only four seasons ago, and has a decorated resume that any franchise looking for a coach will be after.
Mike Brown
Another big change in the NBA was the firing of Mike Brown.
This move made little sense and saw significant backlash. Brown pulled the Kings out of the abyss, earning him his second NBA Coach of the Year Award in 2023.
Brown possesses extensive experience, having served as both a head and assistant coach for some of the most successful teams in the NBA. In fact, Brown spent five seasons coaching a young LeBron James in the late 2000s with the Cavs and spent his assistant days alongside Steve Kerr during the Golden State Warriors’ incredible achievements.
Brown is surely a candidate for any vacancy this offseason.
Frank Vogel
Another of the best available coaches for 2025 is Frank Vogel. He stands out because he managed to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the 2020 title despite all the challenges during the pandemic.
He is currently a coaching consultant for the Dallas Mavericks, but likely ready to take another head coaching opportunity. Despite lasting only one season with the Suns (like Budenholzer), Vogel’s track record is pretty excellent and should not be blemished by a franchise that seemingly can’t function, even with some of the top coaching.
Vogel has had countless experiences in the NBA playoffs and coached some of the biggest basketball stars. This alone manifests why he is a fantastic candidate for another head coaching role.
Other Best Available NBA Assistant Coaches
Aside from the aforementioned names above, there are a few other notable assistant coaches that may be due for a promotion. These include:
- Mitch Johnson (interim Spurs head coach)
- James Borrego (former Hornets head coach and current Pelicans assistant)
- Sam Cassell (current Celtics assistant coach)
- Darvin Ham (former Lakers head coach and current Bucks assistant)
- Chris Quinn (longtime Heat assistant coach)
- Johnnie Bryant (Cavs associate head coach, former Knicks associate head coach)
Wrapping It Up
2025 might very well be one of the busiest years for top coaching changes. While most of the above candidates were let go from their previous teams, this doesn’t damage their reputation.
With an abundance of elite coaches available, rebuilding or budding playoff teams may strike gold this summer.
And who’s to say there won’t be more coaches let go after the playoffs are over?
One thing is for sure: you can never think that the NBA landscape will stay the course, as social-media earthquakes happen with no warning.
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