PHOENIX – For the third straight offseason, the Phoenix Suns are looking for a new head coach, and one of the favorites are out of the running. NBA reporter Marc Stein announced on Tuesday that legendary Suns point guard Steve Nash will be joining Amazon’s Prime NBA coverage for the 2025-2026 season, nixing any hope for Nash to return to the Valley.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Stein continued to say that the two-time MVP had no interest in becoming Phoenix’s next head coach, leaving the organization scrambling for another option.
Feb 1, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash talks to Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
What’s next for the Suns?
Nash was the homerun candidate for the franchise to bring hope back within the fanbase with a familiar face. However, with the recent news, general manager James Jones will have to pivot to other viable candidates.
The top two options will likely be former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and former Nuggets coach Michael Malone. Each coach was fired in the final weeks of the season, despite the teams being in playoff contention. The duo have similar philosophy and respect around the league from players, that could make Suns players buy in easier to a new head coach.
Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
There’s other top assistants throughout the league like Celtics’ Sam Cassell, who’s been a longtime assistant coach that is overdue for a head coaching job. However, guard Devin Booker reposted a clip of himself talking about former Suns coach Earl Watson midway through this past season. Which begs the question if Booker is sending subminimal hints about wanting to reunite with his former coach.
Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson and guard Devin Booker (1) against the Denver Nuggets at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Regardless, the decision will be up to Jones and the front office about who will be the franchise’s next head coach. The search will be a lengthy one, looking to avoid being in the same position its been at for the past three summers next year.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
