Phoenix Suns Head Coaching Search
In a significant shake-up following a disappointing campaign, the Phoenix Suns are actively seeking a new head coach, having identified five potential candidates for interviews, according to various sources. The contenders for the position include experienced assistant coaches:
- Chris Quinn from the Miami Heat
- Johnnie Bryant from the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Jordan Ott from the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Dave Bliss of the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Sean Sweeney from the Dallas Mavericks
Reasons for the Coaching Change
After the Suns endured their least successful season ever, finishing with a 36-46 record and failing to qualify for the playoffs, changes were imminent. The current ownership, led by Mat Ishbia, who took control this year, has previously made notable hires of established head coaches. However, the finalists for the head coaching job this time lack prior NBA head coaching experience.
Potential Candidates
Chris Quinn
Chris Quinn, a former NBA player, boasts a decade-long tenure with the Heat, working closely under the renowned coaching duo of Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra. He is regarded as a strong candidate and has garnered considerable interest for head coaching roles previously, with Spoelstra asserting he is more than prepared for a promotion.
Johnnie Bryant
Johnnie Bryant recently joined the Cavaliers’ coaching staff during a season where the team achieved an impressive 64 wins, marking the best record in the Eastern Conference. He offers a wealth of experience from previous assistant roles with the Utah Jazz and the New York Knicks.
Jordan Ott
Jordan Ott began his journey in the NBA as a video coordinator with the Atlanta Hawks and has since worked with several teams, including the Nets and the Lakers, benefiting from the guidance of various head coaches. Like his potential colleagues, Ott has a connection to Michigan State, where he assisted under Tom Izzo. He even interviewed for the head coaching position with the Charlotte Hornets last year.
Dave Bliss
Dave Bliss has been with the Thunder for multiple seasons, rejoining the franchise after a stint with the Knicks. He started his career in Oklahoma City as a developmental coach and video assistant, before returning to his roots.
Sean Sweeney
Sean Sweeney, who previously served as a video coordinator with the Brooklyn Nets, advanced to work under head coaches including Jason Kidd and Dwane Casey. Since reuniting with Kidd in Dallas, he has continued to develop his coaching credentials.
Franchise Changes and Future Prospects
The Suns, with high-profile talents like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, boasted the league’s priciest roster last season, yet their performance fell short of expectations. This prompted Ishbia to relieve head coach Mike Budenholzer of his duties after just one season. This change was part of a broader restructuring, which included the promotion of Brian Gregory to the role of general manager.
Gregory, who has been with the team in various capacities, emphasized the need for a thorough coaching search focused on transforming the team’s character and improving defensive play, an area where the Suns ranked poorly last season.
Potential roster changes could follow the new head coach’s hiring. Although Phoenix explored trading Durant at the trade deadline, his situation remains complex – he is under contract for the next few years, making significant moves potentially challenging. Beal’s health issues add another layer to the roster’s future, as he has missed a considerable number of games in recent seasons and has a significant contract with a no-trade clause. Ishbia has publicly stated that Devin Booker, a 10-year Suns veteran and the franchise’s all-time scoring leader, will not be traded, as his contract extension eligibility approaches this summer.
With this upcoming hire, the Suns will go through yet another head coach, marking the fourth leadership change for the franchise in as many seasons after dismissing Monty Williams and Frank Vogel in recent years, both of whom faced disappointing playoff outcomes. As the Suns embark on this critical quest for a head coach, they look to reshape both their team and their future into a more competitive force within the league.
