In the world of professional sports, coaching is often viewed as a prestigious yet demanding role. With the responsibility of guiding some of the most talented athletes and managing high-profile games, coaches are expected to deliver results, deal with intense scrutiny, and maintain an aura of leadership. Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer, who joined the team after a successful stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, has recently revealed the hidden struggles he faces in this demanding profession. In a candid interview, Budenholzer shared, “I’m secretly dying in this coaching shit, but no one seems to understand, they’d rather blame.”
Budenholzer’s comments offer a rare glimpse into the pressures that come with leading a professional basketball team, shedding light on the often-overlooked emotional toll that coaching can take, even on those who appear successful from the outside. His words have sparked discussions about the mental and emotional weight carried by coaches at the highest level of the NBA, and how this burden can sometimes be overshadowed by the pressure to will.
The Phoenix Suns are a team with high expectations, especially after a deep playoff run in 2021 and the addition of superstar Kevin Durant. When Budenholzer took over as head coach, he was expected to bring his championship experience to a team that is hungry for its first NBA title. With his track record of success, including winning an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, many believed he was the perfect fit to elevate the Suns to the next level.
However, the reality of coaching a team with championship aspirations is far more complex than it may appear from the outside. Budenholzer has had to navigate a team with big personalities, manage the physical and emotional demands on his players, and constantly adapt to injuries and lineup changes. The high expectations from fans, the front office, and the media create an environment where every decision is scrutinized, and any setback is magnified.
“When you’re in a position like this, every game matters,” Budenholzer explained. “It’s not just about winning games; it’s about managing egos, balancing playing time, keeping the locker room united, and dealing with the pressure that comes from knowing you’re expected to win a championship. It’s exhausting, and sometimes it feels like no one really understands how much goes into this.”
While the spotlight often focuses on players, it is easy to forget that coaches bear the weight of guiding their teams through both the highs and the lows. For Budenholzer, the emotional toll of the job extends beyond the court. He deals with sleepless nights, analyzing film, and strategizing game plans while trying to maintain a strong facade in the face of setbacks. When the team struggles or underperforms, the criticism is often directed at the head coach, who is expected to provide answers for every loss and every mistake.
“It’s like being on a rollercoaster that never stops,” Budenholzer shared. “You’re expected to be a mentor, a strategist, a leader—sometimes even a therapist for your players. And when things don’t go well, the blame falls on you. It can feel incredibly isolating, even when you’re surrounded by people every day.”
Budenholzer’s words underscore the sense of loneliness that can come with being a head coach. Despite the camaraderie with players and staff, the burden of responsibility rests heavily on the coach’s shoulders. For Budenholzer, the constant pressure to meet expectations, both internal and external, has made the job emotionally draining. “People see the game and the results, but they don’t see what goes into it behind the scenes—the stress, the sacrifices, the doubts you carry with you,” he said.
The NBA is an unforgiving environment, where a few losses can shift the narrative around a coach’s competency and future with the team. In such a high-stakes context, maintaining personal well-being can be challenging. Budenholzer acknowledges that he often finds himself struggling to balance the intense demands of the job with his own need for rest and mental clarity.
“It’s a grind that never stops, and sometimes, you lose yourself in it,” Budenholzer admitted. “I try to be strong for my players, for my family, for the fans—but there are times when it just feels like you’re running on empty. And when you’re in that space, it’s easy for people to start pointing fingers, rather than trying to understand what you’re going through.”
The Suns head coach has stressed the importance of mental health within the team, encouraging players to take care of themselves and seek support when needed. Yet, he recognizes that for coaches, there is often an unspoken expectation to be invulnerable, to be the ones who hold everything together, even when they themselves are struggling.
“There’s this idea that as a coach, you’re supposed to have all the answers, that you’re supposed to be the rock,” Budenholzer said. “But the reality is, we’re human too. We have our own battles, our own fears, and our own moments of doubt.”
Budenholzer’s candid remarks have highlighted a broader issue in professional sports: the need for greater empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by coaches. While fans and media often focus on wins, losses, and strategies, the human side of coaching is frequently overlooked. Budenholzer’s openness serves as a reminder that behind the statistics and the game plans, there is a person dealing with immense pressure.
“I’m not asking for sympathy,” Budenholzer clarified. “I know that criticism comes with the territory, and I accept that. But I think it’s important for people to realize that we’re giving everything we have to this job, and sometimes, that takes a lot out of you.”
As the Suns navigate