Mike Budenholzer
Mike Budenholzer: A Life of Coaching Excellence
Full Name and Common Aliases
Mike Budenholzer's full name is Michael Walter Budenholzer. He is commonly referred to as Coach Bud.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 6, 1969, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA. As of my knowledge cutoff, he is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American professional basketball coach, currently serving as the head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Early Life and Background
Budenholzer grew up in a family that valued sports and competition. His father, William Budenholzer, was a high school football coach. This early exposure to coaching instilled in Mike a passion for the game, which would later become his career. He attended Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he earned a degree in economics.
Major Accomplishments
During his playing days at Hamline, Budenholzer was an excellent player, earning All-American honors in 1990-91. After graduating, he transitioned into coaching as an assistant for the United States men's national basketball team under Mike D'Antoni and later with Gregg Popovich for the San Antonio Spurs.
Budenholzer's tenure with the Atlanta Hawks (2013-18) was marked by significant improvement in the team's performance. He led the Hawks to a 60-win season, their first since 1995, and earned Coach of the Year honors in 2014. His leadership during this period established him as one of the top coaches in the league.
In June 2018, Budenholzer became the head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, where he continues to shape the team's culture and push them towards NBA championship success.
Notable Works or Actions
One notable instance of Coach Bud's coaching expertise was his implementation of a new playing style with the Atlanta Hawks. He emphasized speed and agility over traditional half-court basketball, incorporating elements from international competitions to create a more dynamic offense. This innovation contributed significantly to the team's growth and success during his tenure.
Budenholzer has also been recognized for his commitment to analytics in coaching. He employs data-driven strategies to inform game decisions, often yielding positive results on the court. His openness to using technology as an aid in the coaching process reflects his adaptability and willingness to innovate within the sport.
Impact and Legacy
Coach Bud's influence extends beyond his own teams' success. As a member of the coaching community, he actively contributes to discussions around basketball strategy, innovation, and player development. His expertise has been shared through various media outlets, including ESPN and NBA.com, providing valuable insights for coaches and fans alike.
Budenholzer's commitment to collaboration is also noteworthy. He has worked closely with other coaches, general managers, and front office staff to create a winning environment in Atlanta and Milwaukee. This approach underscores his ability to foster strong relationships within the organization and adapt to different team dynamics.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Coach Bud's reputation as one of the most respected and innovative coaches in the NBA has led to him being frequently quoted in media outlets, blogs, and podcasts. His thoughtful commentary on basketball strategy, analytics, and player development resonates with readers seeking expert insights into the sport.
Moreover, his success on the court, combined with his dedication to sharing knowledge and best practices within the coaching community, have solidified his position as a leader in the world of professional basketball coaching.
Quotes by Mike Budenholzer

It's just hard in our league to see somebody who has had that much sucess, that's done that well, that's that well-respected, not just among coaches but the whole basketball world has great respect for David Blatt. That's hard anytime you see a coach go when they make a change.

It's a tough job to be the owner in a rebuild, to be the GM, to be the coach. These are tough jobs.

Not winning and those types of things are difficult. There is no doubt. You can't say they are not.

That's the great thing for coaches... we'll find more things where we can get better.

I'm going to get better as a coach. Or at least I certainly hope to and plan to and need to work to, and have that as my mindset.

Lots of coaches like to draw up a play in a timeout and most, if not all of them, are drawn up against man-to-man type coverages and defenses.

I think individually, Al Horford is very special, very unique. He's a guy that can kind of be the backbone of the defense.


