Milwaukee Bucks Former Head Coach Mike Budenholzer Has Officially Returned to his Former Coaching team as one of the Senior Coaching…
In a move that has stirred excitement and nostalgia across the NBA, former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer is officially returning to his coaching roots. Budenholzer, who led the Bucks to an NBA Championship in 2021, has accepted a position as a senior member of the coaching staff with the San Antonio Spurs — the very franchise where his professional coaching career began.
This return marks a full-circle moment for Budenholzer, often affectionately known as “Coach Bud” around the league. After several years of head coaching success, including a highly celebrated stint in Milwaukee, Budenholzer is bringing his wealth of experience back to the Spurs, this time in a new but familiar role.
A Familiar Homecoming
Budenholzer’s coaching journey began with the San Antonio Spurs in 1996, where he spent 18 seasons as an assistant coach under the legendary Gregg Popovich. During his time with the Spurs, he was part of a dynasty that won four NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007). He was widely respected for his strategic mind, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of the game — traits that made him a natural fit in the Spurs’ culture of excellence.
Now, nearly a decade after he left San Antonio to take on head coaching duties elsewhere, Budenholzer returns to a franchise that helped shape his coaching philosophy.
In an official statement released by the Spurs organization, Head Coach Gregg Popovich expressed his enthusiasm:
> “Mike is family. His impact on this organization has been enormous, and having him back in the fold brings both leadership and continuity. I’m thrilled to have him working with us again.”
A Championship-Caliber Resume
Budenholzer’s head coaching career is distinguished and widely respected. After departing San Antonio in 2013, he became the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, leading them to a franchise-record 60 wins and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2015. He was named NBA Coach of the Year that same season.
In 2018, he was hired as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Under his leadership, the Bucks became a perennial Eastern Conference powerhouse, culminating in their 2021 NBA Championship — the franchise’s first title in 50 years. His tenure with Milwaukee was defined by a strong defensive identity, efficient offensive schemes, and the successful development of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Despite consistent regular-season success, Budenholzer’s time with the Bucks came to an end following the 2022–2023 season, after the team fell short in the playoffs. Nonetheless, he left behind a legacy of winning and development, and his absence from the sidelines was felt around the league.
What His Return Means for the Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are currently in the midst of a rebuild, centered around rising star Victor Wembanyama, the French phenom who has already begun to change the trajectory of the franchise. Bringing in a seasoned veteran like Budenholzer adds depth and wisdom to the coaching staff, giving Wembanyama and his young teammates access to elite-level guidance.
Coach Popovich remains at the helm, but the addition of Budenholzer as a senior assistant allows for a more collaborative coaching environment. With Bud’s extensive playoff experience and history of player development, he’s expected to play a crucial role in mentoring not only the players but also the younger members of the coaching staff.
NBA insiders see the move as a strategic investment in the Spurs’ future — blending the old with the new, tradition with innovation.
A Look Ahead
While Budenholzer may no longer be the face pacing the sidelines as a head coach, his presence on the bench will still be impactful. With nearly 30 years of NBA experience, he brings a deep reservoir of knowledge that could help usher in the next great Spurs era.
In his first public comments since the announcement, Budenholzer shared his feelings about the return:
> “San Antonio has always felt like home. I’m honored to be back and ready to help however I can. Working alongside Coach Pop and being part of this young team’s journey is something I’m genuinely excited about.”
As the NBA gears up for the 2025–2026 season, all eyes will be on San Antonio. With Popovich still leading, Wembanyama growing into a superstar, and Budenholzer back on the bench, the Spurs are quietly building something special.
And for Coach Bud, it’s not just a return — it’s a new chapter in a familiar story.
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