PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns head coaching search is expected to start soon, but beforehand, it’ll make some changes to the front office. Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro believes that the franchise will announce front-office changes within 48 hours to a week. NBA Insider Marc Stein continued that report with the belief that owner Mat Ishbia will not bring in new executives but instead promote someone internally.
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Feb 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia watches a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Stein on internal promotion with Suns:
“I’m told an emerging option in Phoenix, rather than a splashy hire outside hire, is promoting VP of player programming Brian Gregory to a more prominent front office role,” Stein posted. “Gregory already has a significant voice in Suns draft strategy and is highly regarded by owner Mat Ishbia.”
Feb 11, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Brian Gregory during the first half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Gregory coached at South Florida from 2017 to 2023 before joining Phoenix’s front office last offseason. Ishbia and Gregory’s relationship began during the Suns owner’s playing days at Michigan State, where Gregory was an assistant under head coach Tom Izzo.
The news of changes in the Suns front office is no surprise, as general manager James Jones’s contract expires in June. Regardless of Jones’ contract situation, Ishbia proclaimed that changes are coming after an embarrassing 2024-2025 season, where the Suns missed the Play-In.
Jun 30, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devon Booker sits with Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia during the game between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
While Gregory’s promotion is not official, it will likely happen soon to help with the team’s head coaching search this summer. The market has plenty of winning coaches available for the franchise, but one of them won’t be legendary point guard Steve Nash, who has reported having no interest in the role.
Suns legend Steve Nash unlikely to be team’s next head coach
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
