The Milwaukee Bucks made the decision to fire head coach Mike Budenholzer after five seasons. During his tenure as head coach, Milwaukee won the 2021 NBA Championship, finished with the top seed in the Eastern Conference three times, and saw expectations rise to a never-before-seen level for many Bucks fans. Unfortunately, his tenure was also marred by premature Playoffs exits, the latest coming at the hands of the eighth seed Miami Heat. Earlier today, Coach Budenholzer took to social media to pen an emotional farewell letter to the city of Milwaukee and the Bucks organization.
Former Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer’s Farewell Letter
The following is the text of the letter Coach Budenholzer posted on Instagram:
“Milwaukee- Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!
“It’s been an incredible five years for me and my family. The City of Milwaukee and the entire Bucks organization took us in and treated us like we were part of their own family. Every door that was opened, every corner that was turned, every need that was met for the entire five years helped us find our way and become part of the city. The warmth of the people and the friendships we found here, gave life more meaning and purpose where it probably matters most… at home or around a table breaking bread.
“Together we won a lot. Together we won a NBA Championship. The first Championship in 50 years. The memories of the parade, watching the entire city celebrate with the players and staff as the buses made their way through the streets of Milwaukee, that is something we will all cherish forever.
“The Bucks players have been the best to work with every day. The Core 4- Giannis, Jrue, Khris, and Brook- provided the foundation and leadership. Surrounding these guys were more great players. This year it was Bobby, Grayson, PC, Joe, Jevon, Wes, Jae, MarJon, Thanasis, Meyers, Goran, AJ, and Lindell. As a coach, I couldn’t ask for a better team. This year, and every year the players made us proud… Always!
“The coaching staff… forever grateful to all of you!! In my mind, the best in the NBA!!
“The front office, sports performance staff, and business side were all incredibly good with their work. My partnerships with Jon and Peter… My appreciation for both of them and their work as GM and President is very real. And the ownership group, led by Wes, Marc, and Jamie invested in me and this team… I am grateful for all they did, and for the opportunity they gave me to coach in Milwaukee. We all worked to get better, to create a culture and environment that is enjoyed and cherished by all on the team.
“It has been an honor to do this job. To have a place in the history of the city, the history of the Bucks organization, for that, I will be forever grateful. In my mind, there was no better place to work than for the Bucks, and for Milwaukee.
“Thank you… It’s time for a beer… and some sun on one of the lakes.
“Best,
“Coach Bud”
There is no doubt that is was time for a change, but no one can deny the heart of Coach Bud. As much as we hope the next coach brings the Bucks back to Championship glory, we also wish Coach all the best and the highest amount of success (as long as it doesn’t come at the expense of Milwaukee).
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